What Is Ageism? 3 Examples

Ageism is a form of discrimination in which a person experiences prejudice based on their age. A person can experience age-based discrimination whether they are younger or older. As people age, they may deal with negative stereotypes that affect their well-being and quality of life as they experience everyday ageism. Similarly, younger people may deal with stereotypes, such as others believing they do not have enough life experience because of their age. The gerontologist Robert N. Butler used the term “ageism: to describe this type of discrimination in the workplace, public health care systems, and elsewhere.

Ageism can take many forms. A few examples include:

1. 1. Accusing an older person of acting too young: Young people may feel that older age groups act too young or steal their identity. Some ageist attitudes claim that older people should act their age.
2. 2. Having your leadership ability questioned because of your age: Great leaders can come from any age group. Yet some believe that younger people lack the experience to lead others.
3. 3. Wanting older generations to step down: Some younger people think older folks have had their turn and should make way for others. Older adults may feel unwelcome by these ageist attitudes.

Ageism is a prevalent issue that leads to inequalities in society for both younger and older adults. The American Psychological Association has formally declared ageism a serious human rights violation that requires intervention.

Similar to sexism or racism, age discrimination affects people everywhere. There are many ways that ageism affects both younger and older demographics. The impacts of ageism can take a toll through:

• Economic health: Older workers may experience ageism that makes it more difficult to get a job, making it challenging for them to support themselves. Younger workers may also deal with employers who have a negative attitude toward people because of their youth. For example, they may believe they are not responsible.
• Physical health: Some older patients experience age discrimination from health care professionals. Age stereotypes may prevent them from experiencing healthy aging as they don’t get the right treatment for their health conditions.
• Mental health: Age discrimination can affect younger and older people’s mental health. It can make them feel inadequate or depressed if they have faced unfair treatment because of their age.

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