Understanding ageism and its consequences

What does the word "ageism" mean?

Ageism, a form of discrimination often invisible or socially tolerated, refers to stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory acts against a person because of their age. It can manifest on three levels: institutional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.

On the institutional level, it takes the form of laws, policies, or practices that limit a person's opportunities based on age and place them at a disadvantage. On the interpersonal level, it involves negative interactions between individuals. At the intrapersonal level, it appears when a person adopts and internalizes age-related stereotypes.

Four types of ageism are recognized: hostile, compassionate, intergenerational, and intragenerational. Although all ages can be affected, we focus here on older people, for whom the impact on health and well-being is particularly significant.

Hostile ageism includes intentionally disrespectful remarks and gestures. Compassionate ageism, more subtle, infantilizes older people by portraying them as incapable of acting or making decisions. Intergenerational ageism involves stereotypes between generations, while intragenerational ageism refers to prejudices within the same age group.

From "invisible" to consequences that cannot be ignored

These different forms of ageism, by perpetuating negative stereotypes, reinforce the social exclusion of older people. Specifically, these stereotypes portray them as incapable of learning or changing, declining in health and quality of life, entirely dependent—often seen as a burden—or all the same.

Beyond resulting in limited access to opportunities and full participation in society, ageism and the negative self-image it induces have also been associated with higher rates of dementia and serious illnesses such as heart disorders or diabetes. The effects of ageism on older people are now too visible to ignore. Indeed, known consequences exist.

The values and beliefs at the heart of ageism

Ageism-related prejudices remain largely unquestioned because they are based on deeply rooted implicit values in our Western societies, which are difficult to recognize and deconstruct.

In terms of implicit values, Gutterman (2022) notably highlights the valorization of youth as an ideal of beauty, which depreciates signs of aging. Added to this is the traditional association between youth and life, aging and death. The fear of death, prominent in contemporary society, thus influences the perception of those considered "closer" to this reality, particularly those in the fourth age.

Some young people, faced with their own fears, adopt negative stereotypes to distance themselves from a future they imagine associated with loss of health, illness, isolation, and death.

Questioning these underlying values is essential to combat ageism, often invisible but with significant consequences. It is a necessary step to support the well-being and quality of life of people in the fourth age.

The consequences of ageism

The prejudices against older people, as we have seen, have tangible consequences for their well-being. They can lead to pressure to retire earlier than desired, forced long-term unemployment, an increased risk of serious illnesses like cardiovascular disorders, or significant social isolation.

Furthermore, negative stereotypes can become a form of self-fulfilling prophecy when internalized: anyone exposed to ageist discourse may eventually believe them and apply them to themselves. They may then lose their sense of autonomy, perceive themselves as a burden or as a person "in decline," and withdraw from the world.

How to act to counter this situation? Our articles "Preventing Ageism in Everyday Life" and "A reflective look at ageism and our attitudes" propose ways forward for a less ageist view.