Do you suffer from self-directed ageism?

Ageism is defined as stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination against (but also in favour of) people because of their chronological age. Although the practice of ageism and ageist policies can be directed towards people of any age, the ageism phenomenon is usually seen in relation to older adults, particularly older women, poor people or those with dementia

Studies show that ageism is the most prevalent type of discrimination, reported by almost 35% of all participants over the age of 18. Sexism and racism represent relatively stable categories that don’t vary across life. Age, on the other hand, changes with time and people are likely to change age group affiliation, with the passage of time. Hence, in contrast to the other two “isms” (sexism and racism), everyone is susceptible to experience ageism if they live long enough. Moreover, ageism might exacerbate the negative impact of other forms of discrimination, including sexism and racism. Nevertheless, in contrast to the high prevalence of ageism in society, research on ageism is only just beginning to emerge

So it’s particularly depressing to find that a significant proportion of ageism is self-diercted. A recent study, led by Professor Julie Henry from the University of Queensland’s School of Psychology looks at this common phenomenon

“Older people are regularly exposed to ageism such as negative assumptions about their worth, capacity or level of understanding, as well as jokes about older age,” Professor Henry says

“At the same time, as we grow older, we rely more strongly on prior knowledge and cues from our environment to guide how we feel, think and behave. In a world that devalues ageing, these cognitive changes make it more difficult for older people to challenge internalised ageist beliefs, known as self-directed ageism”

Self-directed ageism can reveal itself as self-doubt – ‘I’m too old to learn this new technology’ or ‘I’m too old to make new friends’ – and negative perceptions of your own aging, such as ‘I’m so much worse at this than I used to be’

Self-directed ageism can also present as concern over being judged according to age-based stereotypes, such as ‘If I forget to do this, they’re going to think it’s because I’m old’

Professor Henry says that when ageism is internalised and becomes self-directed, it’s been linked to a shorter lifespan, poorer physical and mental health, slower recovery from disability and cognitive decline

“It can also be harmful when older adults allow their negative beliefs about ageing to undermine their confidence to take on new or challenging experiences and opportunities,” she continues

“Interventions, such as creating more opportunities for positive social interactions between younger and older people, are needed to prevent negative views of ageing from developing in the first place

“Our research also suggests that older adults will benefit directly from a reduction in cues to ageism in our wider social environment

“If fewer ageist cues attract older people’s attention, the risk of self-directed ageism should be reduced”

Here are some ways to overcome self-directed ageism