Ageism, the Last Unacceptable Bias

“I’m having a senior moment.

I’m too old to try that.

I look good for my age.

It’s time to put her/him out to pasture.

These are just aches and pains from old age.

Sweetie, you don’t look a day over 29.

Ok boomer.

There will be a tsunami of aging dependents in the coming decade.”

These oft-used phrases may sound inoffensive but they’re actually examples of ageism, perhaps the only stereotype in America yet to be banished, or even fully recognized. Raising awareness of ageist beliefs as inaccurate at best, and physically and psychologically harmful at worst, is the work of a lifetime for a diverse group of medical and scientific advocates. Why is changing the narrative so important?

Research shows that ageism can influence health through three pathways: psychological, behavioral and physiological. Negative age stereotypes can increase biological markers of stress and may predict detrimental brain changes decades later, while also spurring worse health behavior, such as noncompliance with prescribed medications. A national poll on healthy aging showed those who regularly experienced three or more forms of ageism were less likely to rate their mental health as excellent or very good (61% vs. 80%) and more likely to report symptoms of depression (49% vs. 22%) than those who did not. Additionally, ageism can lead to inequities in healthcare, with age-based exclusions common in clinical trials, and older adults more apt to be left out of screenings, investigations and treatment for mental health issues.

Ageism: A Mental and Physical Toll

What may be most important to appreciate is how the internalizing of age stereotypes by older adults themselves can be an important determinant of health and well-being. Experts have found that negative self-perceptions of aging are associated with a higher prevalence for many of the most frequently seen health conditions among Americans, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and injuries, and tend to show more shrinkage of hippocampal volume in the brain. They may also show poorer memory performance and start to walk slower, reinforcing the negative loop around their aging process.

The Power of Positive Aging

Flipping the narrative, however, can result in dramatically improved outcomes. As reported in the Gerontologist, those who have more positive age beliefs live on average 7.5 years longer than those who harbor negative age beliefs. As the researchers noted: “If there were a pill that gave people an extra seven years of life in relatively good health, we would encounter very long lines at the pharmacy.”

The reasons for optimism around aging are based on science, not magical thinking. Consider that steep declines in physical and cognitive abilities are not inevitable parts of aging. According to the Administration on Aging, 80% of adults over 65 are not experiencing a physical or cognitive disability such as hearing impairment or memory loss that impacts their function, and 60% report only moderate or small impairments in their mobility. Procedural memory (e.g. how to ride a bike) is maintained in normal aging, and there is evidence suggesting abstract thinking and metacognition improve.

Challenging the Aging Myth

Despite the stereotype of people becoming more curmudgeonly with age, Manfred Diehl, PhD, a lifespan developmental psychologist, reports the opposite: “The conclusion from several meta-analyses is that in the personality area, we see quite a bit of positive development in terms of becoming socially more mature, with improved coping strategies and more regulation of emotions. Conscientiousness tends to increase at least until the mid-60s, possibly early 70s.”

Most remarkably, ongoing research at the Yale School of Public School by epidemiologist Dr. Becca Levy pointed to the conclusion that beliefs about aging rather than aging itself help explain why some older adults thrive while others do not. Her studies found that adults briefly primed with positive statements about aging showed improvements in their memory, gait speed, and balance that were measurable months later, and further generated increasing confidence in their abilities that endured over years. Additional studies suggest that positive beliefs about aging may protect against dementia, even among those with a high-risk gene.

Changing the Conversation Around Aging

How can we help shift the conversation? Start by increasing awareness of the culture of ageism around us and recognize how it can impact health rather than the actual aging process, encourages Levy.

You may also want to explore how to get involved in organizations that focus on bringing generations together, including:

Generations Over Dinner – A free global initiative to create meaningful experiences and conversations by hosting in-person or virtual multi-generational dinner events.

Generations United– A nonprofit network with a comprehensive database of intergenerational programs across the country.

CoGenerate –A nonprofit organization aiming to bridge generational divides and foster intergenerational collaboration.

When to seek help for mental health

Remember: it is not normal for older adults to be unhappy as they age. Seek help for these treatable medical conditions:

Anxiety

Panic disorder: Panic attacks or sudden feelings of terror that strike repeatedly
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Repetitive, unwanted thoughts or rituals
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Nightmares, depression after a traumatic event
Phobias: Extreme fear of something that poses little real danger
Generalized anxiety disorder: Chronic worry about everyday activities

Depression

Feelings of intense sadness that last for weeks or months. Symptoms include:

No pleasure in everyday activities
Poor sleep
Rapid weight gain or loss
Low energy
Unable to focus

While grieving a loss may look similar to depression, there are differences. A mix of good and bad days is common when grieving. With depression, feelings of emptiness are constant and don’t improve over time.

Sources:Aging Research Reviews; Breaking the Age Code; Contemporary Clinical Trials, NCOA, Helpguide.org