Ageism is one of the most pervasive forms of
discrimination in Canada and around the world. Yet, its impact often goes
unnoticed or is seen  as a natural part
of Aging. This post draws from skilled insights and the latest research to
highlight the challenges ageism presents and explore meaningful ways to combat
it.

In a recent 2024 IPSOS survey conducted by the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA), troubling trends emerged regarding how Canadians perceive and experience ageism. While more than half of Canadians (54%) are familiar with the concept of ageism, 87% do not recognize how widespread it is. This is alarming, considering that half of the global population harbors ageist attitudes.

For example, how often have we heard someone
say, “You’re too old to understand Technology,” or seen older workers
passed over for promotions because younger employees are deemed more
“dynamic”? These instances are so commonplace they are often not seen
as discriminatory, but they perpetuate stereotypes and limit opportunities for
older adults.

The survey also revealed that 64% of
Canadians recognize the harm age discrimination inflicts on mental and physical
health. Persistent stereotypes—such as assuming older adults are frail,
unproductive, or unwilling to adapt—can lead to feelings of isolation and
Depression. Imagine a retired professional being dismissed as “out of
touch” when seeking volunteer roles or community involvement. This subtle
exclusion can erode confidence, fostering feelings of worthlessness and further
disengagement.

Healthcare is one area where the consequences
of ageism can be particularly devastating. Biases among healthcare providers
sometimes result in older patients being dismissed or treated differently than
younger ones. For instance, a senior complaining of persistent pain might be
told, “It’s just part of getting older,” rather than being referred for further
diagnostic tests. Similarly, older patients often receive fewer aggressive
treatments for conditions like Cancer or heart disease, based on assumptions about
their “quality of life” or ability to recover.

Addressing these biases starts with raising
awareness among healthcare professionals and implementing mandatory training
programs. For example, hospitals and clinics can use case studies highlighting
the dangers of dismissive attitudes to ensure providers prioritize symptoms
over stereotypes. Additionally, involving older adults in inpatient advisory
boards can help healthcare systems design services that truly meet their needs.

Beyond the healthcare system, ageism imposes a
broader societal cost. Only 44% of Canadians recognize the economic impact of
age discrimination, which can include sidelining experienced workers or
overlooking older entrepreneurs. This limits the contributions of a population
with immense knowledge and expertise.

Moreover, self-ageism—reported by 31% of
survey respondents—compounds these challenges. When individuals internalize
negative beliefs about aging, they might avoid pursuing new opportunities,
assuming, “It’s too late for me to start something new.” Such attitudes can
lead to reduced physical activity, diminished social connections, and poorer
health outcomes.

In response to the survey findings, the CCAA
and International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC) identified four key initiatives
at a June 2024 conference in Ottawa. These priorities aim to create a more
inclusive society and support older adults in living fulfilling lives:

1. Health
   Care Must Change
   To ensure older adults receive equitable care, healthcare systems must
   actively combat biases. For example, encouraging providers to use
   age-neutral language—like asking “How can we help you thrive?”
   instead of “What aches and pains are you dealing with?”—can
   shift perspectives. Programs such as the Geriatric Emergency Medicine
   Initiative in British Columbia, which trains emergency staff to meet the
   unique needs of older patients, offer models for nationwide
   implementation.
2. Education
   is Critical
   Incorporating ageism education in schools and workplaces can challenge
   stereotypes before they take root. For instance, interactive workshops
   where students and older adults collaborate on projects—such as oral
   history interviews—can highlight the value of lived experiences and reduce
   prejudice. Similarly, workplace seminars addressing the benefits of age
   diversity can foster inclusive practices.
3. Intergenerational
   Connection
   Bridging generational gaps is key to breaking down stereotypes. Programs
   like “Adopt a Grandparent” in Toronto pair seniors with younger
   volunteers, fostering meaningful Relationships and mutual understanding.
   These initiatives show younger generations that aging is a natural and
   valuable phase of life, not a decline.
4. Nothing
   About Us Without Us
   Older adults must actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. Organizations like the Manitoba Seniors Advocate ensure that seniors’ voices guide provincial policies and programs. Including older people on advisory councils or as keynote speakers at conferences brings their lived expertise to the forefront, ensuring that solutions are both practical and impactful.

Fighting ageism is not just a matter of
fairness; it’s essential for creating a society that values all its members,
regardless of age. Whether you are retired, preparing for Retirement, or
supporting older adults, understanding the nuances of ageism can empower you to
advocate for change. By addressing biases in healthcare, fostering education,
and promoting intergenerational connections, we can work toward a future where
aging is celebrated—not stigmatized.

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired