The Impact of Age Discrimination
Age discrimination is a form of prejudice directed against individuals or groups based on their age. This type of discrimination manifests in various ways, including biases against older adults and institutional policies that differentiate individuals according to their age. Below, we outline the implications of age-based discrimination:
Effects of Age Discrimination on Individuals
Age discrimination has detrimental effects on individuals that extend beyond employment opportunities and societal bias. It can significantly impact the health of older adults as well.
Research indicates that individuals harboring negative attitudes towards aging may experience lifespans reduced by up to 7.5 years compared to those who maintain a more positive outlook on aging. This suggests that being a victim of age discrimination, or internalizing associated stereotypes, can shorten one’s life expectancy.
Additionally, age discrimination can adversely affect other areas of an individual’s health. For instance, studies have found that victims of age discrimination exhibit higher levels of cardiovascular stress and a decline in self-efficacy and productivity.
Effects of Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination in the workplace has a significant negative impact, not only on older employees but also on their families and the economy as a whole.
Many older adults perceive their age as a barrier when seeking employment, and evidence suggests that older job applicants are offered fewer opportunities compared to their younger counterparts with similar qualifications. This scenario prolongs unemployment periods for many job seekers over the age of 50.
This issue is particularly pronounced among women and minority groups, as incidents of age discrimination in the workplace are frequently compounded by gender and racial biases.
Effects of Age Discrimination in Healthcare Settings
In healthcare environments, age discrimination can lead to various negative consequences, affecting both individuals and society at large. Such discrimination can result in overtreatment or unnecessary procedures for older patients, potentially jeopardizing their health.
Moreover, healthcare providers may display a lack of patience and responsiveness toward elderly patients, ultimately leading to inadequate care.
Mitigating Age Discrimination
Although age discrimination may be deeply ingrained in workplaces, legal frameworks exist to prohibit such biases. Individuals can play an essential role in combating age discrimination through the following actions:
- Understanding or developing local policies related to age discrimination.
- Speaking out against instances of age discrimination and discussing them publicly.
- Promoting awareness that age discrimination is prohibited under the law.
- Encouraging leaders to take proactive measures to deter age discrimination.