Ageism means lost professional opportunities, refused credit, medical discrimination, and more. But the effects of how we think about growing old may be far more serious,Ageism,Ageism means lost professional opportunities, refused credit, medical discrimination, and more. But the effects of how we think about growing old may be far more serious
YOUNG AND RESTLESS Researchers policy makers and helping professionals question a growing bias toward the supremacy of youth.
Today life expectancy in New Yorkis 81 years old. If you think that’s good news — you obviously aren’t 81. “Not everyone thinks about ageism” says clinical gero-psychologist Dr. Paul Chafetz. “But everyone will experience it.”
Ageism is prejudice against someone based on age alone. As in any prejudice ageism is a blinder replacing the true depth abilities and behavior of older adults with simplified projections and stereotypes.
For example fixing the retirement age at 65 is ageist. We’re just used to it. But there are many people who continue to work after this limit and others such as American commercial pilots who are obliged to retire despite immaculate records superior skills and experience.Australia for example has no age limit — just medical and flight exams.
Create a free account to keep reading.
