‘Ageism may be the most normalized and socially accepted form of prejudice,’ but there is hope

Tackling Ageism: A Path Towards Sustainable Development

By Jessica Hall

Ageism, a prevalent and insidious form of prejudice, has significant social and economic implications. The World Health Organization’s Global Report on Ageism in 2021 revealed that half of the global population holds ageist beliefs. Moreover, age discrimination leads to increased healthcare costs and could potentially cost the U.S. trillions of dollars by 2050, according to studies by Yale University and AARP. However, a recent study conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission offers hope, demonstrating that even small efforts can bring about significant changes in attitudes towards older adults and aging.

The Impact of Ageism on Sustainable Development Goals

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ageism contributes to increased healthcare costs, affecting the achievement of Goal 3. By addressing ageist attitudes, societies can promote good health and well-being for all age groups.

2. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Ageism hinders economic growth by limiting opportunities for older workers. Businesses that invest in ageism training can tap into the potential of older employees and foster intergenerational collaboration, aligning with Goal 8.

3. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Ageism perpetuates inequalities and discrimination based on age. By challenging ageist beliefs, societies can work towards reducing inequalities and promoting inclusivity.

The Power of Educational Interventions

The Australian study involved a 2.5-hour interactive age-awareness workshop, followed by pre- and post-workshop surveys to assess changes in attitudes towards older adults over a two to three month period. The results showed significant decreases in age-based biases immediately after the workshop, which were sustained during the follow-up. The study concluded that brief educational interventions can create lasting positive changes in attitudes and behaviors towards older people.

Key Findings and Implications

• 90% of participants reported rethinking their communication with older adults.
• 87% engaged in discussions about ageism with others.
• 86% actively considered actions to address ageist attitudes in their workplace.
• 82% reconsidered their attitudes towards aging.

These findings highlight the malleability of ageism and its potential for change. Efforts to combat ageism should be integrated into organizations, with buy-in from higher-ups and comprehensive training programs. The success of initiatives like EveryAGE Counts in Australia and Changing the Narrative in Colorado demonstrate the feasibility of addressing ageism on a national scale.

Online Interventions: A Low-Cost Alternative

The study also revealed that online workshops can yield similar outcomes to in-person interventions. This suggests that online interventions could serve as a cost-effective and convenient alternative, making ageism training more accessible to a wider audience.

Funding and Business Implications

Securing funding for ageism initiatives can be challenging. However, given the detrimental effects of ageism on health, well-being, and longevity, there is potential for support from both public and private sources. Businesses, in particular, can benefit from ageism training by tapping into the talents of older workers and fostering intergenerational collaboration.

In conclusion, addressing ageism is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The study’s findings emphasize the potential for change through educational interventions and the importance of integrating anti-ageism efforts into organizations. By challenging ageist beliefs and promoting inclusivity, societies can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

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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 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.

   The article highlights the cost of ageism on healthcare, with discrimination based on age increasing healthcare costs. This is connected to SDG 3, which aims to promote good health and well-being for all ages. Target 3.4 specifically addresses reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, which can be impacted by ageism. The indicator 3.4.1, which measures mortality rates attributed to specific diseases, can be used to measure progress in reducing the impact of ageism on healthcare costs.

2. 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 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.

   The article discusses ageism as a form of prejudice and discrimination that affects older adults. This is connected to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion for all. Target 10.2 specifically addresses the inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of age. The indicator 10.2.1, which measures the proportion of people living below a certain income threshold, can be used to measure the economic inclusion of older adults and progress in reducing ageism-related inequalities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: morningstar.com

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