Myperfectresume.com is a website dedicated to helping people looking for a job. They walk them through the process of perfecting their resume and putting their best selves forward in their search.
A few years ago, they conducted an “Attitudes in the Workplace” survey in the U.S. of over 1,000 workers regarding ageism. The results were astounding.
“99% of workers over 40 said there is at least some degree of ageism in the workplace.” 1
Ageism is thriving, and we need to address it.
Here are a few other practical findings from the survey:
- 92% say they have felt pressure to conceal their age or downplay their experience to avoid negative perceptions.
- 95% of respondents feel that age-related stereotypes have affected their sense of belonging or inclusion in the workplace.
- 86% believe that older employees are a target for workplace bullying.
- 88% of respondents admitted to sometimes adapting their behavior or language to fit in with younger colleagues.
- 81% say that age stereotypes are alive and well at work. 2
The workplace, government on both sides of the border, media and advertising, and even our daily conversations are full of ageism related to elders. As we are all inevitably getting older, we should be concerned.
What can one person do?
- Be positive. I have heard for years comments like, “Old age isn’t for sissies.” This wears the infirmities of aging like a badge of honour, and I refuse to don it. Every age has its challenges and its joys. The truth is, old age is a privilege not afforded to everyone. No matter what is happening in a day or how I feel, I remind myself that this day is a gift, and how I use it is on me.
- (Which is really 1b) One of the criticisms of older people is that they talk about their infirmities non-stop. There is truth here. I live with chronic pain, but I seldom mention it because it’s boring, no one else is interested, and talking about it doesn’t make me feel better. Focus on the joys in your life.
- Refuse to engage. Don’t pass along ageist jokes and memes, and if the incident happens in person, make an effort to graciously express your dislike for these kind of comments, and why.
- Support organizations which make a difference politically. The International Longevity Centre Canada https://www.ilccanada.org has a vision “of a world where the human rights of older persons are protected and where age discrimination is eliminated.” 3 The Canadian Coalition Against Ageism https://ccaageism.ca/ccaa/ “is a nation-wide social change movement to end ageism against older people while protecting and strengthening their human rights.”4 It’s exciting to me that these organizations exist and they are making a difference in areas of influence.
- Pursue intergenerational activities. A fabulous way to celebrate who you are and what you have learned throughout your life is to spend some time with other generations. Volunteer to read with students at your local school. While you are there, inquire about other opportunities. Someone from our local teen drop-in once told me that although most teens have issues with their parents, grandmas and grandpas of any kind walk on water!
Ageism is a difficult topic, and I’ve procrastinated writing about it because of the controversy. But it’s incredibly pervasive, probably because people like me haven’t spoken up. Now, I have. How about you?
- https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/workplace-age-bias?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=16652113148&utm_term=&network=x&device=c&adposition=&adgroupid=&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16639567146&gbraid=0AAAAADnFgEcEg1xQ2wNm260jATUNKUqcr&gclid=Cj0KCQjw77bPBhC_ARIsAGAjjV9yFmi32I9GmUH8h90J5I_fzCGxfEY_0Poq840Br_4UUUzJG8hQeR0aAr0jEALw_wcB
- https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/workplace-age-bias?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=16652113148&utm_term=&network=x&device=c&adposition=&adgroupid=&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16639567146&gbraid=0AAAAADnFgEcEg1xQ2wNm260jATUNKUqcr&gclid=Cj0KCQjw77bPBhC_ARIsAGAjjV9yFmi32I9GmUH8h90J5I_fzCGxfEY_0Poq840Br_4UUUzJG8hQeR0aAr0jEALw_wcB
- https://www.ilccanada.org
- https://ccaageism.ca/ccaa/