Age discrimination, better known as ageism, is so normalized in our society that it often goes unnoticed even by those who suffer from it. Although its consequences can be devastating, it remains one of the least recognized and least combated forms of discrimination. The first step to eradicate it It is about informing ourselves, giving it a name, and learning to identify when we are facing an ageist act, whether we suffer from it or witness it in our environment.
You may have been surprised to discover that everyday words, gestures, or attitudes can reinforce harmful stereotypes about age. The challenge is great, but the good news is that they exist tools and strategies, both personal and collective, to detect and combat ageism every day. In this article, you'll find clear clues on how to identify it, dismantle prejudices, and promote equal and respectful treatment for people of all ages.
What is ageism and why is it important to detect it?
Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory behaviors toward a person or group because of their age. Although it can occur at any age, It usually seriously affects older people, who may be denied opportunities, diminished value, or even made invisible in areas such as work, social, or health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), One in two people in the world admits to having experienced discriminatory attitudes towards the elderly..
The worrying thing is that ageism remains hidden or disguised under the guise of good intentions, jokes, or institutionalized practices. Many people don't even know that what they feel or suffer has a name. So, the primer is not essential It is to recognize it and give it visibility, since only by identifying this phenomenon can we adopt effective measures to stop it.
Common forms of manifestation of ageism
Ageism manifests itself in a variety of, and sometimes subtle, ways. Some of its most frequent expressions are:
- Infantilization: Treating older people as if they were children, using condescending language, diminutives, or possessives: “our grandparents,” “how cute my old lady is,” or phrases like “they are like children.”
- Depersonalization: Disregarding each person's individuality and preferences. Grouping and generalizing as if all older people had the same interests, needs, or abilities: "retirees," "the elderly," etc.
- Dehumanization: Limiting autonomy, denying privacy, or preventing participation in decision-making. Sometimes, this involves offensive language that reduces the person to a stereotype: "old-fashioned," "unusual," "mummy."
These manifestations can appear in everyday conversations, in media language, in advertising campaigns, and, of course, in public policies or business decisions. Por eso It is essential to bring to light both explicit and subtle forms of ageism so that they are not normalized or made invisible.
The role of language in perpetuating ageism
The language we use is one of the most powerful vehicles for transmitting ageist prejudices. We often adopt expressions or ways of communicating without analyzing their true impact. Diminutives, overly melodic tones, or patronizing phrases fuel these preconceived ideas about aging.
Recent initiatives, such as the Glossary on ageism promoted by the ”la Caixa” Foundation, have identified more than 300 ageist words and expressions, highlighting the most representative ones to raise awareness about the importance of speaking about older people with respect and dignity.
For example, calling someone “old man,” referring to a group as “our elders,” or using terms that associate old age with disability (such as “senile dementia,” a medically unrecognized label) not only denote disrespect, but also reinforce the stigmaChanging the way we refer to age and older people is a key step toward achieving a more just and inclusive society.
Consequences of ageism in daily life
The impact of ageism goes beyond a simple word or attitude. Its consequences affect the mental health, personal, occupational and social development of older adults.
According to WHO studies, ageism increases the risk of depression, stress, and anxiety in older adults. It is also associated with physical health problems, social isolation, economic insecurity, and a lower quality of life. It is estimated that millions of cases of depression worldwide can be attributed to age-related experiences.
In the Laboral scene, Ageism limits employment or promotion opportunities y perpetuates wage discriminationMany people over 55 have faced this discrimination, which affects their motivation and self-esteem.
Socially, stereotypes about older adults' productivity, skills, or adaptability lead to their exclusion, wasting their experience and capabilities, and reducing their participation in community activities and access to resources.
Areas where ageism manifests itself
Ageism is present in all areas of life, adapting according to the context:
- Social: Discriminatory attitudes regarding access to services, community participation, or daily interactions. Stereotypes limit expectations of older adults.
- Labor: Difficulties in getting hired, promoted, or accessing training. Ageism affects their self-esteem and professional development.
- Sanitary: Medical decisions based on age, as occurred during the pandemic, when care for the elderly was reduced due to hospital overcrowding.
- Legal: Lack of laws or protection against age discrimination, leaving older people vulnerable.
How to learn to recognize ageism
Detecting ageism It requires paying attention to both obvious and hidden signs. Here are some keys to identifying ageist behaviors or attitudes:
- Generalizations: Phrases like “all grown-ups are the same,” “they can’t learn new things anymore,” or “because of their age, they tend to be absent-minded.”
- Humor or jokes: Jokes that ridicule age or associate old age with incapacity or clumsiness.
- Paternalistic decisions: Limiting the autonomy of an older person “for their own good,” without consulting their real preferences or needs.
- Exclusion: Denying or hindering your participation in activities, work, or discussions on the basis of age.
- Condescending language: Use of diminutives, a childish tone, or excessive pampering when addressing older people.
awareness It's essential: the people affected often identify ageism when they share experiences and reflect in groups. Therefore, participatory workshops and spaces for dialogue are valuable tools for raising awareness and recognition.
Strategies to combat ageism in everyday life
To fight ageism, it is necessary to address actions from different perspectives. Some effective strategies are:
- Change language: Use respectful vocabulary, avoiding diminutives and paternalistic expressions.
- Making diversity visible: Recognize that older adults are not a homogeneous group, but rather have different histories, interests, and abilities.
- Promote intergenerational dialogue: Promote spaces where different generations can interact and learn from each other.
- Support educational initiatives: Workshops, campaigns, and training programs that help people understand the diversity of aging and the importance of active and healthy aging.
- Demand inclusive policies: Demand laws and measures that protect the rights of older persons and punish discrimination.
Organizations, companies and media They also play a key role. They must promote realistic, positive images and avoid discriminatory discourse that reinforces ageist prejudices.
The value of participatory programs and volunteering
One of the best weapons against ageism It's about empowering older adults themselves to recognize and address it. Participatory workshops, such as those promoted by the "la Caixa" Foundation, facilitate the exchange of experiences, the learning of strategies, and active participation in their communities.
These programs address topics such as language use, rights, and the importance of active and intergenerational aging. They also promote awareness-raising and volunteering activities that impact the entire community.
Intergenerational volunteering It helps to understand, eliminate barriers, and enriches everyone involved. Promoting these initiatives is essential to building a more inclusive society that respects the diversity of older people.
Overcoming stereotypes and valuing diversity in old age
Overcoming ageism It requires questioning the prejudices we have about old age and the aging process. Age does not determine what a person can or cannot achieve.
Campaigns like “Pointing Out Ageism” invite different generations to reflect on their prejudices, showing that 87-year-olds can be influencers, swim daily, or attend university. It is key to stop seeing age as a limit and begin to value the potential that lies at each stage of life.
Building an intergenerational future without age discrimination
Achieving a society free of ageism It requires everyone's commitment. Spaces for intergenerational dialogue, such as those promoted by the ”la Caixa” Foundation's Senior Citizens Program, demonstrate that intergenerational cooperation reduces dehumanization and promotes mutual respect.
It is essential to ensure the active participation of older people in decisions that affect their lives.This involves everything from designing public and urban planning policies to promoting their role in homes and workplaces.
Organizations dedicated to older adults, with centuries of experience, emphasize the importance of promoting projects based on respect, autonomy, and mutual support, so that aging can be a fulfilling and discrimination-free stage.
If you are a witness or victim of an ageist situation, don't hesitate to share it and seek support. Remember that Age should never be a barrier, but a stage full of challenges and potential that deserves to be valued in all its diversity.