22 Jul While many “isms” are challenged, don’t forget ageism

We live in a world riven by ‘isms’ and social media appears to be exacerbating them all.

Hiding behind freedom of speech, there are those who seek to stir up hatred where there is none and create factions and tribes that seem hellbent on ruining our communities.

We are all familiar with chauvinism, racism, sexism, antisemitism, ableism, to name but a few and the steps being taken to eradicate them altogether, but the most pernicious of them all is ageism that trickles down all levels of society, and yet it remains the least challenged form of discrimination.

As the population continues to age, tackling it is becoming increasingly important, not only for the individual but to ensure that society benefits from the knowledge, skills and experience that older people bring.

The slights are often wrapped in what is perceived to be humour and confronting it as it is delivered can often be met with bewilderment and accusations of oversensitivity.

Using any of the other ‘isms’ is regarded as offensive and can lead to people being called out or, in some cases, cancelled, but mocking the aged is all but acceptable. Not that I am advocating extreme measures, just more awareness and self restraint.

At the age of 66, I do not feel old nor do I want to be defined by my age, but I  encounter ageism on a daily basis from all directions – friends, acquaintances, colleagues and even close family. Most have no idea how offensive their comments can be.

Jokes about ageism rely on stereotypes – forgetting things, slowing down, being set in your ways or even the question along the lines of ‘what can you expect at their age’? Add the tiresome tropes like you look good for your age or you are too old for that.

Sadly, it is also perpetuated by the very people who should be fighting back – older people. Not everyone likes confrontation, but there are ways of challenging ageism without, through discussion, making people realise what they are actually saying.

How often have you heard or indeed used words and phrases like over the hill, senior moment, dinosaur, old dogs can’t learn new tricks, past their sell-by date, how are you young lady, or it’s all downhill from here?

Ageing Better’s Age without limits, a campaigns to change the way we think about ageing, suggests the following responses when responding to ageism:

• “That’s not funny to me.”
• “That sounds ageist.”
• “Was age relevant to the story?”
• “I’m sorry, could you explain that to me?”
• “That comment makes me feel uncomfortable/worthless/invisible/irrelevant.”
• “I wonder if you’ve considered the impact of your words?”
• “You might not realise it but…”
• “I don’t think you can make generalisations like that based on someone’s age.”
• “People can be like that at any age.”

We are fast approaching the day when the number of over 50s in the Bay will outnumber those under the age of 50, and those of pension age continue to grow as life expectancy increases. From a purely economic point of view, their impact on all things will continue to grow.

They contribute enormously to society through paid employment, volunteering, caring for family members, and community involvement. Many grandparents provide childcare that enables parents to work, while retired professionals continue to share valuable expertise through mentoring and voluntary work. Despite these contributions, older people are frequently portrayed as frail, resistant to change, or a burden on public services.

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against people because of age in employment, education, and the provision of goods and services, with certain limited exceptions where age-based treatment can be objectively justified. But we all know (and often acknowledge) that despite this legal protection, subtle forms of discrimination continue to occur.

The law is there, but it is a mindset shift that is needed, not more legislation. By valuing people for their abilities rather than their age, we can build a more inclusive society in which everyone is respected and able to contribute.

Challenging ageism is not simply about protecting older people; it is about ensuring fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of age.

What do I expect at my age? That’s an easy one: better.