Elders Must Be Ready to Face the Menace of Ageism

Ageism is a real menace that the elders often face in all parts of the world including India. Classically the word “ageism” means a “negative bias”, or “discrimination” faced by elders because of their age. Ageism is rooted in stereotypes and misconceptions about aging, which contribute to social exclusion and systemic disadvantages. The all-pervasive ageism is seen at “individual” or “group” or even “societal” level and this is one of the major causes of their feeling of exclusion. Oftentimes it is “intentional” whereas in some cases, it may be “unintentional” as well.

The result is manifested through the older adults facing bias in various areas of life including employment, healthcare, and even social settings. This is a curse with which many elders live with a sense of neglect and exclusion. The elders often do not speak about it because of sense of embarrassment. Addressing ageism requires awareness, policy changes, and a cultural shift toward valuing individuals of all ages and desire of creating a world for all.

Workplace Discrimination

One of the most prominent areas where ageism manifests is in the workplace. Older employees often encounter challenges such as difficulty in securing jobs, being overlooked for promotions, and pushed into early retirement. Employers may perceive older workers as less adaptable to technology, lacking innovation, or being more costly in terms of salaries and healthcare benefits.

Healthcare Disparities

Ageism in healthcare is a significant concern, particularly for older individuals. Many healthcare providers may dismiss symptoms as a natural part of aging rather than addressing underlying medical conditions. This can lead to inadequate treatment, delayed diagnoses, and poorer health outcomes.

Social Isolation and Mental Health Issues

Older adults are often marginalized in social and community settings, leading to isolation and loneliness. This lack of social interaction can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Loneliness and a sense of exclusion is a deadly menace for many elders in different parts of the world.

Media and Cultural Representation

Media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of different age groups. Older individuals are frequently portrayed as frail, dependent, or out of touch. These representations reinforce stereotypes that contribute to societal biases and limit opportunities for intergenerational understanding and collaboration.

Legal and Policy Challenges

While some laws exist to combat age discrimination, enforcement remains a challenge. In many countries. Legal protections against ageism in employment and other sectors are either weak or not effectively implemented. Older workers often find it difficult to challenge workplace discrimination due to the complexity of legal procedures.

Charity Begins at Home:

The starting point should be the family and school. A conducive climate should be created for “elder respect” and “growing together”. The societies where the family bonds are strong will likely to have less of ageism and related issues. All the family members including the elders have a role to play in this regard. The schools have an equally important responsibility particularly at early childhood education (ECCE) level.

Raising Awareness and Education

One of the most effective ways to counter ageism is through education and awareness campaigns. Schools, workplaces, and media outlets should promote discussions on age-related biases and encourage a more “inclusive perspective” on aging. Public awareness initiatives can help challenge stereotypes and promote positive narratives about individuals of all ages.

Encouraging Intergenerational Interaction

Fostering relationships between different age groups can help break down stereotypes and build mutual understanding. Programs that encourage mentorship, intergenerational workplaces, and community engagement can help bridge the gap between young and older individuals, leading to a more inclusive society. In tune with calls given by the world bodies like UN or WHO, every country should believe and practise the axiom that it is a “WORLD FOR ALL”.

Strengthening Legal Protections

Governments should strengthen laws and policies that protect against age discrimination in employment, healthcare, and social services. Ensuring that existing anti-discrimination laws are enforced and providing accessible legal resources can empower individuals to challenge ageist practices. To start with, a separate legal provision should be there in all countries of the world including India something on lines of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of USA.

Promoting Inclusive Workplace Practices

Employers should adopt policies that value employees of all ages. This includes implementing fair hiring practices, offering professional development opportunities for workers of different age groups, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Employers must believe that age-diverse teams can enhance productivity and creativity in organizations.

Challenging Media Stereotypes

The media industry should work toward more accurate and diverse representations of aging. Depicting older adults as active, capable, and engaged can help shift societal perceptions. The media can play a significantly important role.

Addressing Ageism in Healthcare

Medical professionals should be trained to recognize and counter ageist biases in their practice. Healthcare systems should adopt policies that ensure equitable treatment for individuals of all ages. Encouraging patient-centred care and respecting the autonomy of older adults can lead to better health outcomes.

Self-Initiative by Elders

This is crucial. Elders must understand that they have take care of their own destiny. They, therefore, should form their own groups, raise voice against any act of ageism and champion their own cause. If they begin to raise their voice and concern, the society will be bound to hear them.

Moving Ahead

Ageism is a significant issue that affects the elderly leading to discrimination, social exclusion, and disparities in opportunities. Tackling ageism requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, policymakers, and organizations. By fostering awareness, promoting intergenerational collaboration, strengthening legal protections, and challenging stereotypes, society can move toward greater inclusivity and respect for people of all ages. After all the world is only one and we have to live together here only.

This article is written by By Dr A K Sen Gupta, Chief Trustee, My Retired Life Foundation (MRLF).

Published on: Friday, February 21, 2025, 11:02 AM IST