Story by Abigail Portnoy, photograph by Rod Long

When we think of prejudice throughout our world, we often associate it with prejudice on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, disability, etc. In school, we explore the era of slavery, and how our nation has begun to combat systemic racism, from the Reconstruction Amendments to present day attempts at bridging socioeconomic barriers between races. We also explore how LGBTQ+ rights have expanded over the years, with the legalization of same-sex marriage and rallies to promote equality for all sexual orientations and gender identities. But, we rarely examine prejudice on the basis of age, a term known as “ageism.”

The term “ageism” was coined by psychiatrist Robert Butler in 1969, and he defined it as “prejudice by one age group toward other age groups.” Ageism is slightly different than other forms of prejudice, such as racism or sexism which are faced throughout one’s lifetime. Ageism, on the other hand, often occurs later in life, and is therefore less familiar to many young people.

Cultural beliefs, social norms, and myths passed down through generations have all contributed to ageism in the modern day. In biblical texts, older people are admired. They hold power, wisdom, intergenerational respect. In history, women that were married to older men often enjoyed more powerful positions in society. Today, a similar concept has remained part of our society. Often, those who “age better” are those with wealth and power.

Eventually, attitudes toward older citizens shifted in part due to two major events: the invention of the printing press and the Industrial Revolution. Younger people were able to obtain manufacturing jobs, while older people who struggled to adapt to the rapidly changing times were seen as societal burdens and a drain on resources. During this time period, negative terms and stereotypes toward older members of society became commonplace.

Today, ageism has taken many normalized forms in different cultures and is considered the most “socially acceptable” form of prejudice. Through social media and the capabilities of photo editing, youthfulness is fetishized and idealized. The media promotes “anti-aging” products, which continue to reinforce a negative perception of aging, despite it being a natural part of life. Many people consider the elderly as out of touch with popular culture, unproductive, disabled, grouchy, unable to learn, etc. However, these stereotypes are often untrue and limiting.

Ageism, of course, affects how older people perceive themselves, but it also affects all of us. Many dread becoming older and approach this natural time of our life with reluctance. Because of a fear of aging that is culturally ingrained in us, prejudice on the basis of age continues to persist. The negative beliefs of young people toward aging promotes a negative attitude toward older people, thereby promoting ageist prejudice.

Organizations, like the World Health Organization, currently engage in campaigns to change the narrative around ageing and create an inclusive world for all ages. By raising awareness, becoming more comfortable with the natural process of life, and communicating effectively with a variety of age groups, we, as a collective society, can begin to acknowledge, understand, and combat ageism.