Saying goodbye to ageism — the last “acceptable” prejudice
Sep 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Sven Brodmerkel, an Assistant Professor specializing in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications, joins the discussion on the aging population. They explore how increasing life expectancy challenges society’s obsession with youth and ageism. Brodmerkel emphasizes the need to reframe perceptions of aging, highlighting the overlooked creativity and contributions of older individuals. The conversation also tackles the underrepresentation of older adults in advertising and the importance of generational balance in the workforce for tapping into diverse talents.
The aging population, alongside declining birth rates, necessitates a reevaluation of social systems like pensions and labor markets for older adults.
Addressing ageism in the workplace is vital, as discriminatory practices not only marginalize older workers but also neglect their valuable experience.
Deep dives
The Significance of an Ageing Population
The ageing of the world's population is becoming a major demographic shift, with profound implications for society. This shift includes a dramatic increase in life expectancy, averaging 30 years longer than previous generations, paired with declining birth rates in many countries. For instance, South Korea's fertility rate has fallen to as low as 0.76 births per woman, creating an unusual generational balance where the number of elderly equals the number of youth. As societies adapt to this change, conventional social systems, such as pensions and labor markets, will need to evolve to accommodate a larger population of older adults living healthier and longer lives.
Changing Perceptions of Old Age
Public perception of when old age truly begins is shifting, with many now considering the onset of old age to be between 73 and 75 years. This change may stem from longer life expectancies and adjustments in mandatory retirement ages, causing society to revise its benchmarks for age. Research indicates that older individuals often feel younger than their chronological age, suggesting a psychological distance from the stigma associated with aging. Factors contributing to this phenomenon include societal fears about aging and a general preference to view oneself as youthful, further complicating attitudes toward older demographics.
Ageism in the Modern Workforce
Despite an increasing older population, ageism persists as a significant issue in the workplace, often manifesting in discriminatory hiring practices and stereotypes. The advertising industry exemplifies this problem, with a mere 5% of its workforce over the age of 50, and outdated perceptions that equate youth with creativity and innovation. This age bias not only marginalizes older workers but also leaves untapped potential in an experienced labor force, impacting businesses that fail to recognize the value of older employees. As society undergoes this demographic transition, addressing ageism will be crucial for integrating a more diverse workforce that reflects the realities of an ageing population.
Could the realities of an aging population and a declining birth rate soon make our obsession with youth a thing of the past? It's not just an equity issue it also has implications for politics and economics, because the citizens and consumers of the future will inevitably be older. So, how do we reframe our perceptions of aging to make the most of a very different future workplace?
Guests
Assistant Professor Sven Brodmerkel – Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications, Bond University
Assistant Professor Nicole Dalmer — Associate Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, McMaster University (Canada)
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox — CEO of the consultancy 20-first — specialising in gender and generational balance
Dr Markus Wettstein – Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Humboldt University of Berlin
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode