Okay, Boomer? The Problem of Ageism in America
It’s been called “the last taboo.” Deeply rooted in the American psyche, age appears to be the last acceptable “ism” in polite society. The recent 200-page report on Ageism from the World Health Organization is unequivocal. It demonstrates that prejudiced attitudes toward older people are “strongly institutionalized and socially acceptable.”
The report begins with the self-evident statement that “age is one of the first characteristics we notice about other people when we interact with them.” And then the indictment of a culture that perpetuates biased attitudes toward those older “others”:
“Ageism arises when age is used to categorize and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage, and injustice, and erode solidarity across generations.”
Harm. Disadvantage. Injustice. Erosion of solidarity. For the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, that’s a high price to pay. So where is the outrage, the wall-to-wall media coverage, and the indignation? How many will join the multitudes on the streets in Washington for a national march against Ageism this year? The answer: None, because no such movement exists. At least not yet.
“Okay, Boomer,” the snarky retort aimed at those over 65, is often used in reaction to viewpoints or expressions perceived as outdated or lacking awareness of contemporary attitudes and culture. But there is nothing new under the sun, including that line of attack, as Mark Twain reminds us:
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
We applaud teens and young adults who reject blind allegiance to the attitudes and arguments of those older than them. Yet many desperately need elders who traditionally were the keepers of “community wisdom.” We can learn a lot from Indigenous Elders, who serve as living examples of the principles, values, and teachings deeply ingrained in their cultures.
Ageism has consequences for us all. It drains our economy, contributes to poorer health and greater social isolation for older adults, and robs every member of society of a more productive and inclusive future. Eliminating Ageism is a job for the federal government, the judiciary, and social justice organizations. Yet change also requires each of us to think and act, beginning with the recognition that age discrimination is real and damaging, not to be ignored or dismissed.
Ageism in the Workplace
Workplace ageism continues to shrink the labor pool for older adults. Age discrimination in hiring, promotion, and layoffs exacerbates financial instability. It contributes to poverty among retirees, including the myth that older workers are less flexible, less tech-savvy, or more expensive to hire because of higher salaries and healthcare costs. In this way, many retirees are forced into economic insecurity and increased reliance on social security and public assistance.
Health Impact
The health effects are equally dire. Older adults typically receive biased medical care when treatment is guided by stereotypes about their health and capacities, often leading to under-treatment and over-treatment, with adverse health consequences. There is also a mental health toll as older adults exposed to ageism experience stress, depression, and other issues.
Social Impact
Socially, Ageism leads to isolation and marginalization of older adults. Losing employment and subsequent financial instability can strip individuals of their social identity and self-esteem. Media representations of older adults as frail, dependent, or out of touch with modern life exacerbate these feelings, reinforcing negative stereotypes and perpetuating their exclusion from mainstream society. The media’s lack of diverse and realistic portrayals of aging deprives society of the valuable contributions that older adults can make.
Societal Consequences
The consequences of Ageism on society are profound. Excluding a significant base of experienced and knowledgeable older workers from the workforce leads to reduced productivity and innovation. Without their wisdom, expertise, and institutional knowledge, organizations may suffer deficits in historical perspective, empathy, and integrity — all qualities many of these wise souls possess in abundance.
Contributing Factors
Cultural attitudes and insufficient policy and legislative frameworks contribute to the nagging persistence of Ageism in America. Societal emphasis on youth and productivity along with the negative stereotypes perpetuated by media and popular culture reinforce ageist attitudes. Moreover, the inadequate enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and the lack of policies promoting age diversity and inclusion perpetuate these biases.
Efforts to Combat Ageism
Combating Ageism requires a nuanced, multi-pronged strategy. It begins with ensuring that The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is vigorously enforced and that protections and policies with better safeguards are instituted. An “all of the above” approach should include public awareness programs and better training for employers and health providers to advance reforms and promote tolerance.
From “anti-wrinkle” potions to irreverent birthday cards about aging, the message is clear: Getting old is something to avoid. Recognizing Ageism in all its forms is the first step in addressing this growing problem. By promoting age inclusivity and rejecting discriminatory practices, society can again benefit from the wisdom and experience older adults bring to the table. And if any seniors are looking for a retort to a Zoomer’s “Okay Boomer” insult, tell them to come back and see you when they “get to be 21.” On second thought, make that 40.
