Ageism Awareness Day 2024: Words Matter!

Aging is a universal part of life. Even though we are all aging, ageism is all around us and impacts how older people are seen and feel about themselves. Referred to as one of the last socially acceptable prejudices, age-based discrimination can subtly shape our experiences; from professional settings to social interactions, impacting how we’re valued and respected. Ageism can occur in both subtle and overt ways, influencing how we perceive and interact with people of different ages.

As an Area Agency on Agency, Age Well is proud to share information about Ageism Awareness Day and National Employ Older Workers Week this fall. At Age Well, our goal is to combat ageism by fostering a deeper understanding of its impacts and advocating for meaningful change. We believe that every individual, regardless of age, deserves to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Join us as we address these critical issues and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all ages.

Ageism Awareness Day 2024

The American Society on Aging’s Ageism Awareness Day is on October 9^th, 2024. Created to shed light on the presence and effects of ageism in our society and explore ways to reshape our perception of aging within our communities.

National Employ Older Workers Week 2024

To celebrate and recognize older workers, the US Department of Labor has named the last, full week in September National Employ Older Workers Week. In 2024, National Employ Older Workers Week is September 24^th – 30^th.

What is Ageism?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination towards others or oneself based on age. Aging affects everyone, but the stereotypes we see about ageism don’t capture the diverse and real experiences of older adults.

To gain a deeper understanding of ageism and its impact on older adults, we invite you to view our video, “Aging Matters: What is Ageism? How Does it Impact Older Adults?” This presentation features Age Well CEO Jane Catton and Dr. Regina Koepp, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and founder of the Center for Mental Health and Aging. The discussion provides valuable insights into ageism and its effects on our community.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/cDwJBUINBbQ?si=bXQImABWnlk3EYmB

The Three Levels of Ageism

Ageism influences not only our relationship with ourselves but our belief systems, social networks, institutions and cultures. According to the American Psychological Association, ageism has widespread impacts across healthcare, employment, education, and policy, but can also affect our individual mental and physical health dramatically. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 6.3 million cases of depression globally can be attributed to ageism.

Ageism can occur both explicitly and implicitly. Explicit ageism refers to statements, structures, and/or actions that demonstrate age-based discrimination clearly, outright, or in detail. Implicit ageism refers to statements, structures, and/or actions that demonstrate age-based discrimination in a more subtle way; often occurring outside of conscious awareness. Examples of implied discrimination include using elderspeak, assuming mental impairment, or saying phrases like, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or “you look good for your age.”

Ageism, both explicit and implicit, can be expressed at three different levels:

• micro-level: individual; the way that we perceive, speak about, and act towards ourselves.
• meso-level: social networks; the way we interact in small groups. For example, with our friends or among coworkers in an office.
• macro-level: institutional and cultural; the legal protections, social norms, policies, and practices of our institutions and society. One example of macro-level ageism is the global popularity of anti-aging beauty products.

Ageism is a widespread issue because aging is a universal experience. We are living longer than ever – it is our responsibility to make the landscape of aging more welcoming for all. Making assumptions about aging, such as believing that all older adults are less capable, less functional, or less sharp than younger people, can discourage them from seeking care, exercising, or engaging in community activities. Misconceptions like “everyone loses their memory with age” can lead individuals to delay seeking help for treatable health issues.

How Can You Help? Use Anti-Ageism Language

Using anti-ageism language is one major way we can disrupt the current narrative of aging. In 2020, the Associated Press Style Book released new guidelines for media outlets that abide by their Stylebook in relation to sharing information on older people. The AP Style book recommends:

1. To use “older adults (or persons, people)” in place of seniors, senior citizens, elder*, or elderly.
2. Aim for specificity. An example of this would be avoiding phrases like, “A group of seniors…” and instead, try using a statement like, “people over the age of 60.”
3. Provide context for discussing age.
4. Most importantly, describe both individuals and groups of people how they want to be described.

* In some cultures, the term “elder” is used with respect and is socially acceptable when referring to oneself or other members of the community. This reflects a cultural recognition of the value and wisdom that comes with age.

Using ageist language is one way that ageism contributes to “othering.” Othering refers to the process of highlighting differences between certain groups of people (i.e. young and old) and leads to harmful stereotypes and stigmatization. In other words, emphasizing the ways in which someone, or a group of people, is different from you (or you and your peers) creates a distinction between groups that can lead to the adoption of an “Us vs. Them” mentality. According to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, othering is especially harmful because it can “dismantle a sense of similarity or connectedness between people.”

Recognize and Fight Ageism in the Workplace

Vermont’s older population is growing. One in three Vermonters will be over the age of 60 by the end of the decade. Many workers in the state of Vermont are staying in the workforce longer and retire later in life. This issue is not unique to Vermont. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between the years 2021 and 2031, the number of workers ages 55 years and older will increase by an estimated 10.2%, equivalent to almost 41.5 million workers.

Age Discrimination Protections

At the federal level, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older but provides no protections to younger workers. In Vermont, the Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) protects anyone age 18 or over from being discriminated against or harassed on the basis of their age. Age discrimination refers to when people are treated differently in any aspect of employment, including hiring, compensation, benefits, discipline, or promotion. As outlined in the Age Strong Vermont plan, older adults should have the opportunity to work at a fair wage, without discrimination. Alternatively, older adults should be able to retire without fear of poverty and isolation.

Ageism has no place in our communities and is harmful to our workforce. According to the US Department of Labor, “Employers rate older workers high on characteristics such as judgment, commitment to quality, attendance, and punctuality.” To recognize and celebrate their employees of all ages, employers should consider taking the AARP Employer Pledge.

Embracing Age Diversity: A Path Forward

Ageism is a serious issue worldwide, with staggering health implications. Ageism not only undermines the dignity of individuals but also deprives society of the valuable contributions that people of all ages can offer. By challenging outdated stereotypes and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, such as by celebrating Ageism Awareness Day and National Employ Older Workers Week, we create communities where everyone —regardless of age — feels valued and empowered. Together, we can embrace the strengths that come from diverse experiences and perspectives and build a more equitable world, where age and experience are valued as a rich source of wisdom and potential.

To learn more about Age Well’s services, please call our Helpline: 1-800-642-5119, or explore our website: https://www.agewellvt.org/