Have you ever heard the phrase “You're not old enough for this anymore� This is a clear case of ageism, that is, the representation of stereotypes linked to aging.
Ageism can appear in different formats. Sometimes, it is used to question the younger generations, questioning their opinion due to lack of experience. However, it usually affects older people more strongly, due to the generation gap due to the boom in new technologies, and the lack of adaptation to this new situation.
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Read on to understand how ageism affects our society, and how to combat it effectively.
What is ageism?
Ageism, also known as age discrimination, is characterized by offering negative treatment to people who belong to a specific generation. Although ageism is also directed at young people, it is more prevalent among older people.
This discrimination can take various forms, from social and labor exclusion, to lack of consideration in access to services or medical care.
Like other forms of discrimination, ageism is based on stereotypes and prejudices that do not take into account the individuality and diversity of people.
How does ageism affect older people?
People who suffer from ageism can change the perception of their reality, seeing how their social contribution decreases, and feeling less valued.
Some of the aspects that we recommend reviewing, if you want to avoid ageism, are language, good work practices, or accessibility to procedures and services.
Ageism in language
In Spain we have a language full of expressions and words that can be discriminatory, so it is not difficult to fall into ageism involuntarily. Words like “grandparents†or expressions like “in your time this was different†distort people's reality, since being older does not imply having grandchildren, nor living in a time that does not belong to you.
Discrimination in the workplace
In addition to language, older people can suffer from ageism in their jobs. In certain job offers, the candidate is required to not be over 35 years old, without this really conditioning their job performance. Furthermore, in some companies their oldest workers are pressured to request early retirement.
Procedures and services that are difficult to access
Another example of ageism occurs in banking entities, where, little by little, they reduce face-to-face service and savings accounts, in favor of apps and online transactions. Finally, we have managed to get the Spanish Banking Association (AEB) to commit to offering passbooks to all those over 65.
Similar situations also occur with Administration procedures, which is why we have prepared a free guide to make the process easier.
How to distinguish a case of ageism?
On many occasions we can adopt an ageist attitude without being aware of it. In fact, it is possible to reflect these prejudices when trying to be friendly or close.
The most popular stereotypes are:
- Assimilate that it is difficult for them to learn new things, especially those related to new technologies.
- Believing that they are not qualified to continue working.
- Thinking that all older people have memory problems or health.
- Infantilize them, both in treatment and language
- Force them to adopt new tools without making a coherent transition
Ageism has many faces, so it is very important to pay attention to the way we express ourselves, as well as work on empathy, and not fall into social stereotypes.
Tips to avoid ageism
Preventing ageism, or age discrimination, requires a personal commitment to promote a more inclusive and equitable society. To start working on it, we recommend following these steps:
- Be aware of your own biases: This may include identifying and challenging our own discriminatory thoughts and behaviors.
- Promote plural education: Learning about aging and diversity can help us understand the needs of older people.
- Advocate for inclusive policies and practices: It is important to take into account the capabilities and experience of each person.
- Participate in intergenerational activities: Activities that involve people of different ages help us empathize and break negative stereotypes.
- Be aware of your own biases: This may include identifying and challenging our own discriminatory thoughts and behaviors.
What can you do to change it?
To avoid ageism, you can start by making a table with all the negative practices you detect, and adding a column with a possible solution. Remember, these changes must always arise from empathy and inclusion.
At IMA Health we try to follow best practices to avoid ageism. These are some of the practices that we apply in our company to achieve this:
- Service designed to maintain the autonomy of the elderly:It is estimated that one in three people over 65 years of age takes 4 or more medications a day. To help them follow the treatment, we offer them the possibility of receiving organized medication at home.
- Bet on senior talent: We have a plural team, where people from different generations work as a team to make our service possible.
- Multichannel access:We facilitate access to the IMA Health service, and we accompany anyone who needs it, explaining step by step how to receive organized medication for free. We do it through phone call, WhatsApp, web or email.
- Service designed to maintain the autonomy of the elderly:It is estimated that one in three people over 65 years of age takes 4 or more medications a day. To help them follow the treatment, we offer them the possibility of receiving organized medication at home.
Establishing behaviors that promote empathy and inclusion, regardless of age, gender or origin, will not only help eradicate ageism, it will also favor the elimination of machismo or racism. At IMA Health we are committed to this, so we encourage you to put these tips into practice.
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