10 Things You Should Know About Ageism and Age Discrimination

The Impact of Ageism on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The generation that came of age telling people never to trust anyone over 30 is now more than twice that old and on the wrong side of dismissive quips like, “OK, Boomer!”

Ageism is a confounding prejudice if you consider the fact that most people hope to grow old. So now this generation is grappling with age discrimination fomented by the very ageism they helped foster against their elders. And the people now disrespecting Boomers will eventually find themselves the butt of age discrimination of another era.

The Global Issue of Age Discrimination

As the United Nations reported earlier this year, half of the world discriminates against older people because of their age, something most older adults have seen or experienced personally. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received more than 14,000 age discrimination claims last year, an increase of about 23% over the previous year. Age discrimination claims made up more than 17% of all discrimination complaints filed with the agency.

Attitude vs. Action

Ageism is an attitude, a prejudice rooted in stereotypes. It is so ingrained in our culture that we often overlook it, unlike sexism or racism. It leads to age discrimination – the action. According to AARP, two of three workers aged 45 to 74 say they have experienced age discrimination at work, such as failing to get prime assignments or being overlooked for a promotion.

A JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) report found that some 90% of people 50 to 80 experienced ageism. And according to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, age-based harassment claims more than tripled between 1992 and 2017.

Historical Roots of Ageism

Our parents may have claimed their generation respected their elders, but a historical analysis dates negative attitudes toward old age to the late 1800s when feelings began to transition from “ambivalence to disrespect and even to hostility.” Those attitudes have become increasingly negative over time.

And despite 50-year-old federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, AARP estimates age discrimination costs the economy $850 billion a year in lost contributions from older workers. Data from the 2020 National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 82% of older Americans reported experiencing ageism regularly.

Federal Laws Against Age Discrimination

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act forbids discrimination against workers 40 or older, meaning their age cannot be a factor in denying jobs or promotions in favor of younger workers. The act is enforced by the EEOC.

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits discrimination in programs and activities (such as health care and education) receiving federal financial assistance. Unlike the employment law, this act applies to all ages. It allows age to be taken into account when necessary to accomplish the goals of the relevant program or activity, such as the ability to lift heavy objects.

Some states have age discrimination laws that provide added protection.

The Legal Battle Against Age Discrimination

An over-40 pharmaceutical rep sued Lilly USA, for age discrimination and won a class action suit in 2023 after showing that the company failed to hire older pharmaceutical representatives. The court ordered the company, and its parent, Eli Lilly and Co., to pay $2.4 million and provide employee training and specifically state in recruiter contracts that it does not discriminate against older job candidates.

But age discrimination can be difficult to prove, and you may risk retaliation by filing a claim. The U.S. Postal Service in Louisiana fired a letter carrier, then reinstated her after she won an age discrimination complaint in 2018. But she claimed she was then targeted for her retaliation and eventually fired again. The court ruled for the post office in her second complaint and dismissed her age discrimination claims.

Recovering from Age Discrimination

Those who successfully sue for age discrimination can recover back pay, lost benefits, attorneys fees and more. Lost benefits can include retirement pay and health insurance. Two over-60 Ohio State University instructors sued, alleging “an ongoing and unchecked pattern of harassing conduct,” including a supervisor referring to them as “millstones” and “deadwood.” The university settled with the women in 2018 for $765,000, gave them their jobs back and committed to training sessions on bias.

Understanding Unequal Treatment

Not all unequal treatment is considered age discrimination. This can be explained by legitimate concerns such as longevity projections affecting the ability to pay off a long-term loan. Older people who do get mortgages tend to pay slightly more. But this can be explained by the fact that older people may shop around less for better loan terms.

The Health Implications of Ageism

Ageism has a host of negative effects on those who become its victims, including on physical and mental health. Ageist attitudes can contribute to financial insecurity and social isolation. The World Health Organization says 6.3 million cases of depression are estimated to be attributable to ageism around the world.

Ageism among health care professionals can hurt patients. Several studies have uncovered that doctors may fail to address some medical issues, such as harmful drug side effects, because, in some cases, they may dismiss older patients’ complaints as merely part of getting older. A Yale School of Public Health study found that ageism in the U.S. is responsible for $63 billion in excess costs a year for a broad range of health conditions. Another Yale analysis of 422 studies found that ageism adversely affected the health of older adults in 96% of those studied.

Avoiding Ageist Behavior

Calling older people “sweetie” or “honey” or describing older couples as adorable can serve to infantilize them and rob them of their agency. It can be offensive because it can feel patronizing or condescending, lacking respect and marginalizing. This can be especially pernicious in health care or employment settings.

Overcoming Ageism

One study published in JAMA found that more than 81% of people between 50 and 80 hold ageist stereotypes. Such attitudes allow younger people to justify age discrimination. But older people who adopt a more positive perception of their age experience less anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Harvard Professor Becca Levy found in her studies that how people think about their own age can steal or add eight years to their lives.

Effective Interventions

Studies on ageism interventions show that the most effective interventions combine education on aging with an increase in intergenerational contact. If younger people have almost no contact with older people, false ideas can develop. But contact alone is not enough. One approach paired high school students with older adults for wisdom-sharing. The youth who participated showed improved attitudes toward older people and their life purpose. Educate yourself, as well, to feel more comfortable with your age.

Conclusion

Ageism and age discrimination continue to be significant issues affecting individuals and society as a whole. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to promote equality and inclusivity for all, regardless of age. By addressing ageism and age discrimination, we can work towards achieving these goals and creating a more equitable and just society for people of all ages.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator: Number of cases of depression attributable to ageism.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Indicator: Percentage of older women who have experienced age discrimination in the workplace.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Indicator: Number of age discrimination claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
   • Indicator: Percentage of older adults who have experienced age discrimination in various settings (work, healthcare, social connections).

5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for older persons and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator: Availability and accessibility of public spaces for older persons.

6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Indicator: Existence of federal laws and state laws that prohibit age discrimination.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kiplinger.com