‘Owning’ your age
A report on ageism in Canada – and what we’re doing about it
While much has been written about ageism – what it looks like, sounds like and feels like – it seems that there has been less emphasis on what older adults themselves can do to address ageist attitudes and practices. One response may simply be “owning” your age.
Too often, seniors are reluctant to disclose their age for fear of being discounted or, in the case of the workplace, discriminated against in both overt and covert ways. They may believe that if employment recruiters know their age, that will take precedence over credentials and experience. Workplace age discrimination is very real. In other areas of their lives, they may think that if their real age is known, they won’t be valued or taken as seriously. The result is that many older persons hide behind a veil of secrecy when it comes to their age.
This just perpetuates ageism. What would happen if older adults, in refusing to be defined by age, spoke up with pride about their age in unapologetic ways? Do you think that, over time, society would begin to value them for who they are and not view them through a lens of preconceived notions about what people of a certain age can and should do? “She’s too old for that. Let’s just decide for her.”
We’ve heard that before. It’s the moment when someone makes a decision for you, or discounts your preferences or opinion simply because of your age. They might even have good intentions, believing they’re acting in your best interests. But that doesn’t make it right. What they’re actually doing is robbing you of your independence and choice. It’s called ageism, and it’s the most tolerated form of social prejudice in Canada.
One in four Canadians admit they’ve treated someone differently because of their age. And while most of us (87 per cent) believe we understand what ageism means, one-quarter of Canadians aged 77 or older say people often make choices for them. As Hazel McCallion, Revera’s chief elder officer, says, “Ageism is getting old. Let’s do something about it.”
So, how do you combat ageism? Partnering with the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research, Revera set out to discover how Canadians feel about it, which you can read in their recently released “Report on Ageism: Independence and Choice As We Age.” The report includes findings from more than 2,400 people, and is part of their Revera Innovators In Aging Program, a $20-million investment by Revera to help seniors age well – and keep their independence.
Never one to mince words, McCallion is right. It is time we do something about ageism. Because nobody should feel discriminated against based on age. Sure, our needs may evolve, but we’re still the same person inside. And that’s what it’s all about.
For more information on Ageism read the Revera Report on Ageism or visit