What is Ageism?

"Ageism" is a term that was coined in the 20th Century to refer to discrimination related to age. Usually ageism refers to discrimination against older members of society, though if a young person is discriminated against (s)he may also be to successfully claim that (s)he was denied his or her rights due to ageism. Unlike other forms of discrimination, ageism is often frequently unnoticed in the United Kingdom. Continue reading for some answers to frequently asked questions about ageism.

What Is Ageism?

Ageism is the stereotyping of, prejudice against or discrimination against an individual due to his or her age. Usually this refers to older people, those aged 50 years or older, though it can also related to young professionals, teens and even children.

Why Is Ageism Bad?

Like all forms of discrimination, ageism makes assumptions about individuals, their abilities, their circumstances, their preferences and much more, simply because of one factor - in this case, their ages. This is neither fair nor just and a variety of organisations and individuals are working hard towards highlighting and eradicating ageism in the United Kingdom.

Is Ageism Against the Law?

Yes. The Employment Equality Act (Age) Regulations 2006 protects people aged 50 and over from being discriminated against in the areas of employment and education. These Regulations discuss age equality in the hiring of new workers, how workers are treated in the workplace, and age equality in firing, redundancies and retirement (as well as the educational equivalents). Employment equality for younger workers is dealt with in other legislation, and educational concerns regarding young people are often dealt with on a case by case basis at particular educational institutions.

What Are Other Kinds of Ageism?

Aside from ageism that can be present in employment and education, ageism can also exist in consumer and healthcare venues (among other arenas). For example, if an individual is denied credit or insurance because of his or her age, if an individual experiences a lower level of service because of his or her age, or if an individual experiences a lower level of healthcare because of his or her age (such as not being referred to a consultant) then ageism may be present.

How Is Ageism Being Fought?

In the government ageism is being fought with legislation such as the Employment Equality Act (Age) Regulations 2006. On the organisational level groups such as Age Concern agitate for age equality. On a more personal level, every time an individual reconsiders a stereotype of an older (or younger) person and/or speaks out against discrimination based on age then ageism is being fought.

How Can I Fight Ageism?

You needn't attend rallies or petition the government to fight ageism, in fact much more subtler means can get your point across just as well. Get to know older (and younger) people in your community, cease making jokes or pointed references to age and ability, tell others that such jokes and references are unacceptable and do all that you can to learn from the talents of each individual, regardless of age. Working with groups connected to fighting ageism, such as through fundraising or publicity, can also be worthwhile.