Surface Ripples

Is "Ageism" Real?

“Ageism” can be defined as “bias or prejudice against people over a certain age who are treated unfairly as a result”.

The problem is that individual views on what constitutes and “older” person differ.  Nowadays, people live longer, generally retain their physical and mental health longer and can be productive workers for longer than in the past thanks to advances in technology and medical science.

We’ve seen examples of ageism: “humorous” birthday cards mocking older people which impact others’ views come to mind in particular.  The disparaging “OK Boomer!” response to anyone older giving advice is also common. This results in a number of consequences including job prospects for all the people

Examples people have experience include: 

• Being patronised. 
• Losing or not being hired for a job because of your age. 
• Being refused credit, car insurance, travel insurance.
• Low quality of service in shops or restaurants.
• Being refused membership to clubs or associations because of age.

Some employers won’t hire people over a certain age on the grounds that they’re “too old” and may require more time off, more healthcare, more pay, may be slower and a variety of other reasons.  In some cases, this may be true, but perhaps no truer than for younger counterparts with the new diagnosed medical conditions that require special consideration or allowances.  These seem to have impacted less on their ability to find work.

The proliferating number of “conditions” requiring special care or conditions of work is increasing.  The case for discriminating against older people however they’re defined, is at best, weak.

Let’s consider some of the advantages of hiring an “older” worker: 

• They have life experience that their younger counterparts lack, enabling them to solve problems younger ones can’t.  
• They have “human skills” that again many of their younger counterparts lack.
• They’re likely to be more patient when confronted with adverse situations.

In short, discriminating against older people because of their age is just as unacceptable as discriminating against people based on gender, race, religion, orientation, political views etc.

Wouldn’t it be ironic if “reverse ageism”, where people discriminated against younger people again because of their age, suddenly made an appearance?

As business leaders, it’s our job to ensure we hire only the best, no matter their age.  "Inclusivity" starts with us!

I’ve spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With a wealth of international experience in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. 

Labels: Career, Leadership, Productivity, Social, Strategy, Teamwork

posted by William Martin @ 12:36