Deconstructing age-related stereotypes and prejudice

Perceptions of aging may be accompanied by negative connotations, and preconceptions about older adults persist. Sometimes, older adults may also be ignored, infantalized or victims of prejudice and even abuse.

Ageism is a form of discrimination based on a person’s age. It can result in attitudes, words or behaviour that devalue, disparage or even exclude a person because of their age.

Ageism influences the way we perceive others and ourselves, sometimes without even realizing it. It can be present in social relations, at work, in the media and in the services offered, for example.

Ageism is mainly directed at older adults. Indeed, a lack of diverse and realistic representations of older adults can encourage a distorted view of aging. In turn, this can lead to ageist behaviour, especially when people are perceived as fragile and dependent.

Ageism can take several forms. Here are a few examples:

• using language that infantilizes older adults (speaking more slowly or louder, with simplified vocabulary and repetition, when it is not necessary);
• interrupting, contradicting or ignoring an older adult’s opinion, assuming that they do not understand;
• automatically thinking that a person loses their physical or mental abilities because of their age;
• excluding older adults from certain activities or decisions, thinking that they are not able to participate in them;
• making jokes or mocking comments about the age, appearance or behaviour of older adults;
• adopting and enforcing discriminatory health or workplace policies that disadvantage people because of their age.

The phenomenon of ageism is a major obstacle to the fulfilment and social participation of people as they age. Among other things, it devalues older adults’ experience and expertise.

Age related stereotypes and prejudice can lead to:

• isolation;
• loss of self confidence;
• self exclusion.

It is essential to deconstruct age related stereotypes and prejudice in order to foster respect for people of different generations, their mutual acceptance and openness to their different realities.

Older adults are not a homogeneous group. Their background, experiences and roles in society are as varied as those of other generations. This diversity is a resource that makes it possible to better understand the realities of aging and to challenge stereotypes.

You can help fight ageism by paying attention to how you think and how you talk about aging. Raising awareness and sharing knowledge are effective ways to deconstruct stereotypes and prejudice in order to foster a more inclusive society. Creating environments where every person, regardless of their age, is recognized and valued is a societal project.