Age is a variable component of one’s physical social, mental, behavioral and psychological traits. The essence of a human being is resistant to passage of time. There are always young and old people So every workplace includes the variety of people from age of 20 to 65. Ageism is negative and prejudiced attitudes towards older people, attitudes which are based on stereotypes, which are derogatory and mean to the old.

Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. It has harmful effects on the mental health of older adults and is an everyday challenge for our ageing population. Ageism is prevalent at both the individual and institutional level.

Ageism surfaces in front of a concerned person in many forms such as being overlooked for employment, restricted from social services and stereotyped as the uncool population in mainstream and internet media. Ageism marginalises and excludes older people from the communities that he had been a founding member of.

Ageism, however, is not just part of the corporates, it is experienced and practised by people on an everyday basis. Our cinema and literature also play catalytic role in establishing such social trends by portraying older characters as epitome of infirmity which patronizes stereotypes like ageism.

Following are some instances:

• An imbalanced workforce

There is often a negative attitude towards older workers in the workplace. It’s often presumed that older workers are less healthy, less educated, less skilful or productive than their younger counterparts but these case studies prove otherwise.

• Anti-ageing products and services
  A glance at any birthday card display sends the message that older equals bad. A look at the billions of dollars spent every year by cosmetic companies which promise to hide the effects of ageing suggests this too. This negative self-perception, a person is imposed while growing old physically affects him/her drastically.
• Provider reluctance
  Service providers often presume physical or mental symptoms like depression or aches and pains as a natural part of the ageing process without looking for other substantial causes. They also sound reluctant to discuss using technology as a treatment or tool, fearing an older patient or client may shy away from it.

Types of Ageism

Negative Ageism:

Prejudice and discrimination against the aged

Example: forcing elders to retire after age of 65 regardless of their efficiency to perform the assigned tasks.

Positive Ageism:

Prejudice and discrimination in favor of the aged

Example: assuming most elders are affluent and few live in poverty

Institutional Ageism:

Expressing discrimination in a type of institution including:

-housing

-employment

-Forced retirement

-Mishandeling in institutional settings

Implicit Ageism:

Being unaware of the act of displaying attitudes of ageism and it is done unintentionally.

Example: Speaking loudly to a senior assuming that his hearing abilities may not be as good as yourself

Explicit Ageism:

Having a conscious awareness of one’s attitudes and biases toward a specific age group. intentional change in behaviour towards the aged.

Example 1: Firing an elderly individual because they don’t fit in the “cool workforce” of your business

Example 2: Making snarky remarks to elderly individuals such as “you are ancient”, “you’re too old for that”

Why does ageism need to end?

Ageism is an often-overlooked barrier that puts unfair limitations on older adults’ abilities to live, work and play. Ageism stops people from living life to their fullest potential and devalues them as individuals.

Ageism not only makes a person feel inferior of himself but also make them lose morale and motivation. This subtle violence towards any group in society shouldn’t be resorted to.

The need for change

What can we do about this?

Social Workers Can:

• Help an organization educate their management and staff on ageism that goes beyond the knowledge of the law.
• Aware people in street about ageism.
• Advocate the rights of the old to continue working for as long as they are offering their services and are productive.

• Advocate for equal opportunities to all of the employees in the workplace.
• Offer emotional support to the most impacted by ageism.
• Educate employers about demographic trends, how such practices affect older workers, and how they can avoid subjecting employees to age discrimination.

Social awareness, be Proactive

• Communicating with older individuals to learn their stories of how they were affected by ageism.
• Recognize ageism in the things you say and do, then change your words/actions

Ageism is a cultural illness; not a personal illness. Stop Ageism now!