Ageism & Breaking Boundaries
- swsualberta
- Mar 2, 2022
- 3 min read
By: Aroob Qureshi
Based on the definition provided by the World Health Organization, ageism is defined as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”
In my terms, I would describe this as treating yourself or others unfairly because of age. Ageism occurs when people don’t get to experience certain life experiences because they are judged to be unfit for that activity. In other words, they are judged because they are not “dressed” their age, or they don’t fit the stereotypes set for their age. I believe that this can impact one’s confidence and self-esteem. In my opinion, ageism creates rigid boundaries, caging one into the feeling of constraint to behave a certain way. This may happen due to the fear of being viewed and treated differently. These boundaries could be set by society and one’s culture. (5)
In fact, the way social media portrays teenagers as “emotional and dramatic”(4) and the elderly as a “burden” or “non-contributors to society”(6) has had a great impact in shaping how we view others' ages. Ageism can sometimes be displayed unintentionally where our intention may be good, but it may be hurting others. For example, complimenting someone for looking good their age. The important thing is that everyone is beautiful no matter what their age is.
In today’s time, we sometimes may not realize how commonly ageism is happening right in front of us. For instance, we may walk by a magazine stand with wrinkle-free, blemish-free women as the cover. Little did viewers know that these covers are produced after hours of photoshopping and editing. Once again, creating boundaries. Creating stereotypes that aging is disliked and should not be embraced.
“Why not just embrace it, go along with it and welcome it?”
- Helen Mirren (Actor, 76 Years Old)
Ageism can start as early as 4 years of age when children learn stereotypes and use them as guidance towards how to behave and view those of different ages. (1) In fact, having a negative perception about aging may play a role in poor functional health, slower recovery from illnesses, and poor mental health. (2)
As we think, feel, and act towards others it is imperative to never base it on one’s age. There are many ways we can break these boundaries and in return, promote healthy aging in others.
One way is simply spreading more awareness that ageism exists. (3) Being self-aware and letting others know that age should not define how we view others could help combat ageism. Sometimes if people are not aware of ageism, they may let it happen to them, further affecting their health. So, one should speak up and have a positive attitude towards everyone around them.
Another strategy is to foster contact between different age groups. As young individuals hang out with older people, they both may learn that indeed the stereotypes they once knew about each other are simply not true.
Alternatively, one may choose to surround themselves with younger people. Namely, one may take a class at the gym or a course for something they never got to take at college. By breaking boundaries and fighting the stereotypes of ageism, one just might be able to change the negative view of others. The power that this change holds is unquantifiable and is in the hands of everyone.
References
“Ageing:Ageism.” Https://Www.Who.Int/, 4 Oct. 2021, www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism.
Burnes, David, et al. "Interventions to reduce ageism against older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis." American Journal of Public Health 109.8 (2019): e1-e9.
Orenstein, Beth, and Farrokh Sohrabi MD. “7 Ways to Overcome Ageism.” EverydayHealth.Com, 13 Oct. 2015, www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/emotional-wellness/fighting-age-discrimination.aspx.
Princetonsjp. “Teens Aren’t Fairly Portrayed in Media.” The Princeton Summer Journal, 11 Aug. 2014, princetonsummerjournal.com/2014/08/11/teens-arent-fairly-portrayed-in-media/#:%7E:text=In%20short%2C%20the%20portrait%20that,who%20cannot%20make%20rational%20decisions.
“What Is Ageism? | Discrimination and Rights.” Age UK, 31 Aug. 2017, www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/discrimination-rights/ageism.
Xu, Wenqian. Ageism in the Media: Online Representations of Older People. Diss. Linköping University Electronic Press, 2021.
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