Taking the “ism” out of ageism.

Ageism is prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age.  Ageism affects how we view others and how we view ourselves. Ageism affects everyone. “It can erode solidarity between generations, devalue or limit our ability to benefit from what younger and older populations can contribute, and can impact our health, longevity and well-being while also having far-reaching economic consequences.  For example, ageism is associated with earlier death (by 7.5 years), poorer physical and mental health, and slower recovery from disability in older age” (WHO, 2021).​

Older adults and seniors are particularly vulnerable to experiencing the negative implications of ageism.  There are three types of ageism: Institutional: in which government and society seem indifferent to older people ie: education of older adults is not as valuable as education for younger people. Interpersonal: in which society norms are to negatively comment on older people ie: greeting cards about getting older. Internal: where older people think and speak of themselves as ‘old’. Ie “ you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’, ‘I am having a senior’s moment’, myths that seniors perpetuate themselves.

Ageism is a human rights violation.  The human rights commission views ageism as discrimination that can negatively affect individuals of all ages by creating systemic barriers and individual prejudices. Anyone can go on the Canadian human rights web page and make a complaint. https://www.chrc-ccpd.gc.ca

Combating ageism starts by creating awareness and checking our own biases and opinions on ageing.  Together by reflecting on our own words, building age friendly communities, intermingling generations we can make a difference, it starts with you.

The BC Community Response Network has many resources and info on ageism.  Visit bccrns.ca for upcoming workshops or request a workshop on ageism for your organization or group.

Two additional resources
Discussion guide on ageism in Canada - Canada.ca
Quick guide to avoid ageism in communication

Written by:
Eva Navrot, BC Community Response Network
Tina Doerkson, Williams  Lake Seniors Center 
Suzanne Cochrane, CCPL Community Outreach