Dr. Hannah Swift discusses ageism, societal norms, and discrimination based on age. Topics include age-related jokes, age-imposed restrictions, gender and race biases in aging, and fostering intergenerational friendships to combat ageism.
Age-based segregation exists throughout life, influencing social interactions and societal norms.
Combatting ageism involves fostering intergenerational friendships to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.
Deep dives
Ageism in Different Life Stages
Throughout life, we encounter age-based segregation from childhood through adulthood. High school and college maintain some age distinctions, but the real world presents diverse age groups at work. Age-based stereotypes and discriminatory beliefs persist, affecting personal interactions and societal norms.
Impact of Ageism on Health and Society
Ageism, a prevalent form of discrimination, affects various aspects of life, including healthcare. Older individuals are often denied treatments or mental health services based on age-related biases. Society's focus on youth and aging stereotypes perpetuates discriminatory attitudes, influencing individual behaviors and perceptions of self-worth.
Intersectionality of Ageism with Gender
The societal perception of age intersects with biases related to gender, further complicating discriminatory attitudes. Gendered double standards in media and the workplace highlight differential treatment based on aging. Older women, in particular, face ageism and sexism, leading to unique challenges in professional environments.
Breaking Ageism Through Intergenerational Connections
Combatting ageism requires fostering intergenerational friendships to challenge stereotypes. Research suggests that diverse age friendships enhance empathy and reduce age-related prejudices. By promoting mutual understanding and shared experiences across age groups, individuals can dismantle ageist attitudes and foster inclusive social interactions.
Why do we tease each other about getting old? Why don't you see 70-year-olds partying with 20-year-olds? What age is "old," anyway? Featuring Dr. Hannah Swift, a senior lecturer in Social and Organizational Psychology at the University of Kent in the UK. See citations for this episode: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e2-ageism/