A Form of Age Discrimination
Ageism is stereotyping or discriminating against people based on their age. It can occur at work and your personal life, affecting both older and younger people. It can be directed at anyone, regardless of age and often has negative impacts on your physical or mental health.
Ageism in the Workplace
Age discrimination often pops up in the workplace and can be targeted at young adults who may hold less experience or an older person nearing retirement age. To protect people from age-based discrimination an act was introduced in 2004 that safeguards against stereotypes across a wide range of sectors from education and employment, to accommodation and the provision of goods and services.
The Australian Government reports that of all discrimination complaints, 6% are on the basis of age, with the majority coming from over 55s, predominantly older women. By percentage, this may not seem like a significant volume, however, it’s important to remember we cannot put a number on the instances where age discrimination is not reported by older Australians.
The Impact of Age Discrimination
It’s estimated that 1 in 3 older Australians aged between 55-64, have seen or experienced ageism while at work. Of this age group, 1 in 5 state there is a barrier to employment. A commonly reported form of ageism is the enforcement of a ‘retirement age’ where a person is heavily encouraged to retire when reaching a certain age. Unless your employer has contractual age limits, this is unlawful and should be reported to the Human Rights Commission.
Effects of Ageism
Physical and Mental Health Consequences
Ageist attitudes, thoughts, and actions can have significant effects on mental and physical health no matter the environment it occurs. It can impact your sense of self-worth, social life, and finances if you are unable to work where or how often you desire.
Age bias can be linked to earlier death rates and poorer health outcomes, particularly for older age groups. Self-directed ageism can lead to unhealthy habits, a decline in well-being and a lack of social support. The World Health Organisation states that 6.3 million cases of depression worldwide can be linked to ageism.
Have you ever found yourself in a workplace thinking you can’t keep up with evolving technology, or that you are less valuable than a younger person? This is internalised ageism, likely to have arisen through a cycle of negative stereotypes.
Financial Consequences
Ageism can exacerbate financial insecurity, with ageist employers or supervisors blocking opportunities for advancement for older workers. It can also affect your retirement fund, if you are subject to ageism and are unable to maintain long-standing employment at a company. This will affect your super contribution and overall retirement fund. You can learn how to budget for retirement in our recent blog.
Identifying Ageist Behaviour
Ageism comes in many shapes and sizes, here are just a few ways ageism may present itself during your final years in the workplace, or your retirement.
- You may not be considered for promotional roles or selected to work additional hours despite applying or asking to take on more responsibility, with your workplace employing younger workers who are less appropriate for a position.
- Difficulty finding long-term employment despite being qualified for roles.
- A lock of grants and support for those who want to return to education in their later years.
Combating Ageism
Spend time with children, grandchildren, younger workers, or community members to promote intergenerational understanding. Act as a mentor and pass on skills, knowledge and valuable advice.
Challenging Ageist Stereotypes
Challenge ageist comments and stereotypes made by younger employees in the workplace. Remind friends and family members that older adults have active, satisfying lives and that younger people have valuable contributions to make. Defy stereotypes by maintaining independence staying active, and focusing on opportunities for growth and development.
If you have been a victim of ageism and are ready to explore a new environment, a St Ives Retirement Village could be perfect for you. Our purpose-built villages are open to residents aged 60 and over, providing the ultimate retirement lifestyle amongst a community of like-minded people. Designed to ensure you make the most of your retirement years and hard-earned funds. We pride ourselves on the satisfaction of our residents, with 94% of our residents satisfied with their relationship with their neighbours, and 93% satisfied our villages offer safety and security.Find all our residents have to say about life in a St Ives Village in the latest edition of our Happiness Report.