October 9 marks Ageism Awareness Day, a critical opportunity to reflect on and combat one of the most widespread yet socially accepted forms of prejudice: ageism. The World Health Organization defines ageism as stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination directed towards others or oneself based on age. Ageism affects people across all stages of life. Unfortunately, ageism is often invisible, woven into everyday interactions, societal norms, and institutional policies, causing harm to individuals and communities.
Ageism doesn’t just exist in a vacuum; it impacts us all. It shows up in the workplace when older employees are overlooked for promotions, in healthcare systems where symptoms in older adults are dismissed as “just getting old,” and in the media, where older adults are frequently underrepresented or portrayed with negative stereotypes. One in two people globally are ageist, according to the United Nations, and it’s past time we took a stand.
What Does Ageism Look Like?
You don’t have to look past the card aisle to see ageism on display with over-the-hill jokes galore. Ageism manifests in many forms, often subtle or even treated as a joke but deeply damaging. It can look like a doctor dismissing an older patient’s concerns as a “normal part of aging,” or a workplace assuming an employee is “too old” to learn new skills. In the media, it shows up in the underrepresentation of older adults or their portrayal as frail, forgetful, or burdensome. Ageism can also be internalized, where individuals believe that growing older means losing value, leading to reduced self-worth and quality of life. This pervasive prejudice exists in everyday interactions and institutional practices, reinforcing negative stereotypes about aging and diminishing the dignity of older adults.
Ageism and Elder Justice
One of the most troubling consequences of ageism is its direct link to elder abuse. When older adults are perceived as less valuable or capable, they become more isolated and vulnerable to mistreatment. Elder abuse, which includes physical, emotional, and financial exploitation, thrives in environments where ageism is pervasive. In nursing homes, where many older adults reside, ageism can lead to substandard care, neglect, and even abuse.
Ageism contributes to the poor conditions in some nursing homes by devaluing the lives of older adults and reducing accountability for their well-being. When caregivers or staff internalize ageist attitudes, they may fail to advocate for proper care or dismiss legitimate concerns as inconsequential. This dangerous mindset allows abuse to go unnoticed, leaving residents without the support and dignity they deserve.
Why We Must Address Ageism
The negative effects of ageism extend beyond elder care. Evidence shows that internalized ageism, where individuals accept and adopt negative stereotypes about aging, can shorten lifespans by an average of 7.5 years. Ageism also intersects with other discriminatory “isms” such as racism, exacerbating inequality in marginalized communities.
Furthermore, the media often reinforces these harmful perceptions by underrepresenting older adults or portraying them in negative roles, feeding into stereotypes about aging. Combatting ageism means challenging these portrayals and recognizing that aging is a natural and valuable part of life.
Take a Public Stand on Ageism
Ageism won’t end unless we, as individuals and communities, take a public stand against it. Ageism Awareness Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in shifting societal attitudes. Start by challenging your own assumptions about age and aging. Advocate for older adults in your community, and speak up when you see ageist behavior or hear ageist remarks. Look to our friends at the American Society on Aging for more tips.
At VOYCE, we’re dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of older adults. We believe that promoting elder justice begins with addressing the root causes of elder abuse, including ageism. This October 9, join us in raising awareness of ageism and taking steps toward creating a society where all ages are valued equally.
Together, we can dismantle the stereotypes that fuel ageism and ensure that older adults, whether at home or in nursing homes, are treated with respect and care.
Take a stand. Let’s start the conversation on ageism, and together, we can work towards a future free from age-related prejudice.