Ageism
Ageism – from the English word “age” – refers to the stereotyping of, prejudice against, and discrimination toward individuals or groups on the basis of age. Ageism may take different forms, including biased attitudes, discriminatory practices, and institutional policies or practices that reinforce stereotypical assumptions about age.
Ageism is widespread and is based on the assumption that all members of a particular age group are essentially the same. In relation to older people, it often relies on stereotypes of physical and cognitive decline, lack of physical activity, economic dependency, and reduced social value.
Like racism and sexism, ageism serves social and economic functions: it legitimizes and maintains inequalities between groups of people. The issue is not simply how people look as they age, but how social institutions and people in positions of power assign meaning and value to age and appearance. Since many cultures place particular emphasis on women’s appearance, youth, and fertility, women are often especially vulnerable to ageist judgments and discrimination.
Ageism may also operate in the labour market. Employers may hold negative assumptions about older workers even when older employees are not less healthy, less educated, less qualified, or less productive than younger employees. Older women may face particular barriers to employment because of the intersection of age and gender.
In many high- and middle-income countries, anti-discrimination legislation addresses ageism in the workplace. In the European Union, the Employment Equality Framework Directive 2000/78/EC prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation on several grounds, including age. In the United States, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits employment discrimination against people aged 40 and older.
Ageist attitudes are widespread across societies and are not limited to any single social or ethnic group. Research suggests that ageism has serious consequences for health and well-being. It is associated with poorer physical and mental health, social isolation, reduced quality of life, financial insecurity, and premature death. Negative perceptions of ageing may also contribute to stress, undermine self-efficacy, and reduce productivity.
Reverse ageism, sometimes discussed in relation to adultism, refers to prejudice, social discrimination, or economic discrimination against younger people on the basis of their age.
References:
World Health Organization. (2021). Global report on ageism. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240016866
World Health Organization. (2025, October 1). Ageing and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
European Commission. (n.d.). Age discrimination. Retrieved from https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/age-discrimination_en
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/age-discrimination-employment-act-1967
Leave a Reply