Ageism: Understanding and addressing social discrimination

Ageism is a form of social discrimination that often goes unnoticed yet has deep and lasting effects on the lives of millions of people worldwide. It does not affect only the elderly; it also impacts younger age groups, with particular emphasis on women over 40. In modern societies, where youth and beauty are glorified and pursued at any cost, age is often treated as an obstacle, overlooking and undervaluing the worth of experience and maturity.

What is ageism?

Ageism is discrimination against people based solely on their age. This form of prejudice manifests in many ways and across various aspects of life:

In the workplace: Numerous cases exist where candidates are rejected for jobs, face limited promotion opportunities, or are dismissed because of their age. Statistics speak for themselves: research demonstrates that 35–40% of employees over the age of 40 have experienced some form of age-based discrimination during their careers.

In education: In many societies, growing older is often associated with limited access to learning or training opportunities.

In mass media and social networks: Advertisements, marketing strategies, and beauty standards are overwhelmingly structured around youth, promoting, glorifying, and pursuing it at all costs, while sidelining and excluding those who cannot—or choose not to—conform to the ideal of eternal beauty.

In personal relationships: Even in personal aspects of life, ageism appears in pejorative remarks or the prioritization of beauty and youth over knowledge and life experience.

Ageism and women

Women often face a double discrimination—both for gender and age. Modern societies place significant emphasis on external appearance and youthfulness, targeting women with expectations to remain eternally “beautiful”. After the ages of 40–50, the pressure on women to maintain youth and beauty intensifies. These forms of discrimination have deep consequences, affecting not only their psychology but also their quality of life.

Consequences of ageism

Age-based discrimination has multifaceted impacts. Psychologically, it can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. Professionally and economically, career options and promotion opportunities diminish, and wage gaps often appear, intensifying anxiety and uncertainty. Socially, ageism frequently leads to reduced participation in social activities and isolation.

 Ageism: The way towards addressing this social discrimination

Tackling ageism requires coordinated action both individually and collectively:

Education & awareness: Ageism often goes unnoticed or is treated as “normal” because awareness of the phenomenon is insufficient. There is a necessity for education that fosters social awareness and motivates action.

Challenging stereotypes: Critical thinking, empathy, and the rejection of all forms of prejudice in everyday life are personal responsibilities we must take.

Empowerment & collective action: Communities, networks of support, and adopting positive role models are vital for empowering individuals.

Legislative protection: Governments must not remain passive. Greater enforcement, support, and application of laws prohibiting age discrimination are essential.

Ageism is a form of social injustice that affects the psychology, professional life, and social status of an increasing number of people. It exists everywhere, in workplaces, in the media, on social networks, and in personal relationships. Addressing it requires a shift in mindset, education, and both personal and collective action.

What could be more natural, normal, and beautiful than having the opportunity to grow older, to learn, and to live?