Impact of Ageism

Ageism is clearly prevalent in film and advertising, presenting itself in the form of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of people over 50. Older people are systematically portrayed as incompetent, grumpy, lonely, and confused; they end up marginalised and portrayed as dependent and cognitively impaired. This age-based prejudice manifests in how society dismisses older adults, and terms like “elderly,” “geezer,” “senior,” “senile,” imply the existence of a homogeneous and inferior group.

This devaluation of older people results in a plethora of concerning effects. According to the Centre for Ageing Better, ageism leads to problems with mental health, physical health, and financial wellbeing amongst older adults. In order to better understand the importance of changing the narrative around older people in the media, all of these topics must be addressed. 

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Psychological and Physical Wellbeing

One of the detrimental impacts of ageism is on the psychology of older people. Consistent exposure to ageism has been proven to have an impact on the mental well-being of adults. According to a literature review published in Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, increased “experiences or perceptions of ageism (or age discrimination) was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms as well as stress and anxiety” amongst people over 60 (Kang et al. 8-9). According to Julie Ober Allen, a potential reason for why older people experience heightened stress and anxiety is an increase in cortisol level as a result of the fight-or-flight reaction to ageist beliefs (D'Arrigo). Increased cortisol levels can damage biological systems and lead to worsened health conditions and even premature mortality (D'Arrigo). 

Furthermore, the aforementioned literature review found that many of the 13 studies reported a negative association between life satisfaction and ageism experience. Higher life satisfaction has been linked to a plethora of benefits in mental health as well as physical health. According to research, it is also tied to higher optimism, purpose in life, and mastery while lowering hopelessness, perceived constraints, and loneliness (Kim et al. 21). On the physical health end of the spectrum, higher life satisfaction reduces risk of depression, chronic pain, sleep problem onset, mortality, and more (21). 

Moreover, self-directed ageism has also been shown to have a direct impact on lifespan. A study conducted by Becca R. Levy found that a positive perception of ageing, after accounting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, loneliness, and functional health, has the potential of increasing one’s life by an average of 7.5 years (Levy et al. 268). According to Levy, “the effect of more positive self-perceptions of aging on survival is greater than the physiological measures of low systolic blood pressure and cholesterol,” both of which saw an increase in lifespan by 4 years or less (268). Even no history of smoking and tendency to exercise have “been found to [only] contribute between 1 and 3 years of added life,” in comparison (268). Maybe if we start addressing the damaging impact of negative perceptions of ageing as seriously as smoking in recent years, we will see a greater push to tackle ageism in screen media and beyond.

All of these findings highlight the importance of tackling ageism, revealing its damaging effects on older adults. They demonstrate that ageist beliefs and stereotypes are not merely abstract issues, but have real psychological consequences. Considering that old age is a universal experience, the importance of addressing ageism becomes even more apparent. By addressing and eliminating ageism, we can foster a higher quality of life throughout the ageing process.

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Financial Wellbeing

Beyond its impact on mental and physical wellbeing, ageism has significant repercussions on the financial wellbeing of older people. This stems from discrimination in the workplace which manifests through biases during hiring, career development, and wage practices. The stereotypes surrounding older adults frame them as unfit for work, resulting in difficulties with employment over the age of 50 (Grimm). As Judith D. Fischer notes, older workers face significantly longer periods of unemployment compared to other age groups after job loss (226-227). Furthermore, they are likely to take a significant pay cut if re-employed due to the devaluation of older people in the workplace (227). 

This is a significant issue, especially for those who are not yet eligible for retirement benefits or those without adequate retirement savings. These patterns force many to retire early, often having to rely on family to make do. According to Anne R. Somers, forced retirement has the potential of growing “into one of the major domestic conflicts of the next few decades” in the US (Somers). This not only has adverse physical and mental effects on the individuals, but also carries with it societal costs as more people become reliant on social safety nets and public services.

These employment challenges underscore the urgent need to dismantle ageist stereotypes in the workplace and ensure that older adults receive equitable treatment in hiring, career development, and compensation. Ageism in the workplace is not a secret, according to the Centre for Ageing Better, “employers [often] even recognise that age discrimination occurs in their organisations,” (13). The issue lies in a lack of action from policymakers and a lack of attention from the general public. Changes must be made to ensure job security over 50, policymakers must strengthen anti-discrimination regulations and public campaigns are necessary to challenge ageist stereotypes. Only through action can we create an environment where older people can experience secure employment and no workplace bias.

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^{Ageism: What’s the Harm?: Exploring the Damaging Impact of Ageism on Individuals and Society. Centre for Ageing Better, 2023, www.ageing-better.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-02/Ageism-harms.pdf.}

^{D’Arrigo, Terri. “Ageism Takes Toll on Physical, Mental Health.” Psychiatric News, 22 Aug. 2022, psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.09.9.5?trk=public_post_feed-article-content.}

^{Fischer, Judith D. "Public Policy and the Tyranny of the Bottom Line in the Termination of Older Workers." South Carolina Law Review, vol. 53, no. 2, 2002, article 4. Scholar Commons, www.scholarcommons.sc.edu/sclr/vol53/iss2/4.}

^{Grimm, Michaela, and Arne Holzhausen. The Right to Work versus the Right to Retire. Allianz SE, 2023, www.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/azcom/Allianz_com/economic-research/publications/specials/en/2023/june/agism/2023_06_07_agism.pdf.}

^{Kang, Hyun, and Hansol Kim. “Ageism and psychological well-being among older adults: A systematic review.” Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, vol. 8, Mar. 2022, p. 233372142210870, www.doi.org/10.1177/23337214221087023.}

^{Somers, A R. Abstract of “Social, economic, and health aspects of mandatory retirement.” Journal of health politics, policy and law vol. 6, no.3, 1981, pp. 542-57. doi:10.1215/03616878-6-3-542}