Ageism Fact or Fiction

In this week’s topic, ”Ageism, Fact or Fiction” Gabriel Most, LCSW RN  explores ageism in the work force, what to do about it and how to manage it.

Ageism is a form of discrimination that targets individuals based on their age. A perception of being “too old. Societal beliefs often perpetuate negative stereotypes about aging, associating it with decline, incompetence, and an inability to learn or adapt. These stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment, including age-based exclusion from job opportunities.

Ageism can create the following psychological ramifications.

1. Low Self-Esteem

Ageism can have an impact on our sense of self-worth and identity. “No one is hiring me; I can’t find work! Who am I if I can’t find a job?” Studies have also shown that when older adults internalize this messaging of ageist attitudes it can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning.

2. Depression and Anxiety

Experiencing ageism can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness and anxiety.

3. Fear of Aging

Ageism can perpetuate the fear of aging, leading individuals to excessively reconstruct their face and bodies to keep up with youth driven culture. Moderation is key. Cosmetic treatments can give us confidence but overdoing it can highlight insecurities and obsession with youth at any cost. Confidence is key.

It is not all doom and gloom. Here is what one can do to manage ageism in the workplace.

1. Don’t buy into the narrative if you experience ageism.

Stay resilient and remain empowered. Lead by example. Age can be an asset. It’s experience.  it’s a perspective, based on years of successful campaigns. Highlight this and don’t make your age an issue even if it appears to be one for others.

Stay confident. Your age is an asset, even if you didn’t get hired. Stay current on all the new trends and skill sets. Don’t be afraid to learn new things and wrap yourself around the latest trends in technology and the industry.

2. Promote Inclusivity

Talk about, focus on contributions from colleagues of all ages and highlight the importance of appreciation for diverse age perspectives.

3. Mentorships

Sharing your expertise and perspective can help bridge generational gaps and foster great collaborations and sharing of ideas.

Champion advertising campaigns that feature people of different ages, showcasing the value of age diversity in target markets. Highlight diverse campaigns.

Share your story. How have you managed ageism in the workplace? We’d love to hear from you. What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Together we can create a community of empowerment.

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism" by Ashton Applewhite