A reflective look at ageism and our attitudes

A phenomenon more common than you might think

According to a United Nations report published in March 2021, one in two people worldwide have ageist attitudes. Often experienced implicitly, a person can be a victim of ageism without being aware of it, and may even perpetuate it unconsciously. In fact, ageism can appear violent and hostile, but it can also be less noticeable and take the form of supposed benevolence. For example, trying to protect an older person under the pretext that they are "vulnerable" and adopting paternalistic and infantilizing attitudes.

Did you know it is also possible to be ageist toward oneself?

Indeed, living in a society where ageist beliefs circulate can lead to internalizing such beliefs. For example, someone might believe they are incapable of doing an activity, refrain from visiting a place, or prohibit themselves from wearing certain clothing due to deeply ingrained age-related beliefs.

Below, we share some examples of ageism that can be experienced daily. Even though they may seem trivial, these messages and situations can have a negative impact on a person, especially when they are part of a cumulative experience of ageism.

🔎 Recognizing ageism in everyday life

Here are some signs that a person might be experiencing some form of ageism:

• Not having a say in decisions that concern them;

• Being left out of conversations or projects;

• Being prevented (or preventing oneself) from seizing an opportunity because of age;

• Receiving comments about their physical appearance related to age;

• Not seeing positive older role models in the media;

• Being confronted with laws or policies that overlook the needs of the elderly.

💬 And you, are you being ageist without knowing it?

Here are some examples of ageist attitudes or beliefs, often trivialized:

• Talking to an elderly person as if they were a child (louder, more slowly, or with simplified words).

• Using expressions like "little lady" or "little gentleman."

• Thinking that elderly people should give up their driver's license.

• Believing they should not shop during peak hours.

• Making decisions for them, even when they are capable of doing so themselves.

Towards a change in perspective

If you become aware that you have ageist beliefs, don't be too hard on yourself. We live in a society where many ageist beliefs circulate, and it is normal to unintentionally internalize these types of beliefs.

Recognizing that you have ageist beliefs is already the first step towards change.