1.
Self-Perception and
Stereotypes: Ageism reinforces unfavourable beliefs about ageing, which causes people to internalise them and form unfavourable opinions about themselves. It can result in low self-esteem, low confidence, and higher susceptibility to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Besides, older adults consider stereotype threat, or the dread of confirming unfavourable age-related stereotypes, as a cause of increased anxiety, stress, and poor cognitive function. These detrimental psychological impacts have an even greater influence on mental health.
2. Loneliness and Social Isolation: Older individuals may experience marginalisation and less possibilities for social participation which can contribute to social exclusion and loneliness. The absence of social networks and other sources of support may increase feelings of isolation, which are linked to detrimental mental health outcomes like depression and cognitive decline.
Ageism affects
younger people too, especially at employment. They frequently encounter preconceptions based on a lack of technological know-how or expertise, which can lead to tension, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. It can also impact younger generations by fostering a culture that fears and devalues the ageing process. In addition, younger individuals may also encounter ageism, particularly in the form of stereotype threat, where they feel under pressure to live up to constrained social norms. These worries and anxieties about getting older and confirming unfavourable age-related preconceptions can have a severe impact on their mental health and cause stress and life dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, ageism frequently perpetuates unattainable beauty standards that emphasise youth. Younger adults are under tremendous pressure to meet these norms, which causes body dissatisfaction and adverse effects on their mental health.
Ageism can put a barrier between generations, preventing communication and empathy between them. This generational disconnect and lack of empathy can cause emotional pain in younger folks and harm their mental health.
Researchers and activists are using science to reframe attitudes towards ageing, with the American Psychological Association (APA) adopting a Resolution on Ageism in 2020. This resolution emphasises age as a risk factor for discrimination, emphasises ageing in psychology training, and advances a more productive public narrative about the benefits of longer life spans. The goal is to promote positive ageing and change people’s understanding, social behaviours, and political determination around age and ageing.
Negative self-perceptions of ageing are linked to a higher prevalence of all eight of the most expensive health diseases among Americans, whereas positive beliefs about ageing protect against
dementia.
Older and Wiser:
Companies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the value of hiring and retaining workers who are long past the traditional retirement age. Research shows that older workers perform better in various aspects of job performance, such as conscientiousness, absenteeism, and social skills. For example, a construction, and development firm has a focus on hiring employees in their 50s and 60s due to their knowledge-based workforce and hands-on experience in managing complex projects.
Smaller companies are also taking similar steps, hiring later-in-their careers to enhance their organisation. For instance, an organisation is working to reframe the conversation about engaging a multigenerational workforce, arguing that older employees have a significant value to offer employers.
Alternatively, removing age from the discussion can lead to a more collaborative, emotionally intelligent, loyal, and wise workplace. Research shows that adding experienced workers results in improved teams and companies, and this trend is occurring at a time when a generation of Boomers is deciding not to retire like their parents did.
Promoting Positive Mental Well-being
1. Intergenerational programs- promote intergenerational understanding by giving different age groups the chance to engage and work together through initiatives like volunteerism, mentoring, or community projects. These programs foster empathy, debunk misconceptions, and forge ties between generations.
2. Intergenerational learning- establish educational programs that promote knowledge-sharing and learning between various age groups. This can involve engaging in cooperative initiatives, seminars, or workshops that promote respect for one another.
3. Public Education Campaigns- initiate public education efforts to dispel ageist myths and advance empowering ageing stories. These campaigns can make use of a variety of media outlets to dispel myths and promote the contributions and skills of older persons.
4. Working with the Media- promote accurate and age-inclusive representations of older persons in the media. Encourage media professionals to represent senior citizens as diverse, capable, and active to counter ageist stereotypes.
5. Anti-Discrimination Laws- advocate for effective laws to protect against discrimination based on a person’s age in a range of settings, including in the workplace, the healthcare system, housing, and access to public services. Strengthening laws ensures accountability and offers victims of ageism options for justice.
6. Age-Friendly Policies- Advocate the creation and application of age-friendly policies at the municipal, regional, and federal levels. With the help of these regulations, older individuals will be able to actively engage in society and age with dignity.
Combating Ageism:
A global effort must be created in cooperation with other partners to oppose ageism. Age-based attitudes, prejudices, and behaviours, as well as the laws, policies, and institutions that support them or do nothing to stop them, should be the focus of the campaign. A theory of change should be supported by the campaign, which should be evidence-based and focused on altering attitudes and behaviours as well as supportive policy and legal frameworks. Ageism can be combated almost entirely when the right research and knowledge join integrated policymaking and global action.
