Ageism Affects All Ages
People who follow me on LinkedIn know I frequently write about #ageism and its consequences—mostly as they pertain to older adults.
I've spent the past several days at the American Society on Aging’s 2026 On Aging conference. This annual gathering gives people like me the chance to connect with nearly 2,000 other individals who devote their professional and volunteer lives working to more effectively meet the needs of our rapidly-growing older adult population.
In fact, for the past fifteen years approximately 10,000 individuals have been turning 65 EVERY DAY—and will continue to do so until 2030.
This year, the leading edge of Baby Boomers is turning 80—and the leading edge of Gen-Xers is in their early 60’s.
And the fastest growing segment of the population? Nonagenarians.
Consequently, much of the #ageism conversation focuses on discrimination and the negative stereotypes associated with Adults 65+.
However, on Tuesday afternoon I attended a session during which I was part of a group that included five women in their 20’s and 30’s. Our assignment was to talk about any age-related challenges or insights we’d experienced during the past year.
Interestingly, each of the twenty-somethings described their ages as being “ONLY 27” or “ONLY 28” (a sign of internalized ageism).
Later on in our discussion, all five of the women admitted their ideas had been dismissed out-of-hand by their colleagues because the women were “so young” (evidence of institutional/workplace ageism).
The fact is ageism is discrimination based on age—ANY AGE.
Discrimination against older adults—because of their age—is ageism. And discrimination against younger adults—because of their age—is ageism. Not “reverse ageism.”
AGEISM.
The thing is ANYONE can come up with a good idea. Or share an insightful perspective. Or make a meaningful contribution.
Age is not a determinant of intelligence, or creativity, or common sense, or pretty much anything other than the time a person has spent on this earth.
Anytime we make assumptions about someone based on their age, we’re not only placing a limit on THEIR potential, we’re placing a limit on our COLLECTIVE potential—to address challenges, solve problems, and innovate.
Research shows that intergenerational work groups are more creative, innovative, productive, and PROFITABLE.
Which is why it’s up to each of us to recognize ageism whenever and wherever we see it. In ourselves. In others. And throughout our society.
The two twenty-somethings I referred to earlier? Neither had any idea they prefaced their age with the word “ONLY.”
I hope, after pointing it out to them, that they’ll never refer to their age that way again.
As older adults we have a keen understanding of the impact ageist beliefs have—not only on how others see us, but how we see ourselves.
That is why I believe it is incumbent upon us to not only advocate for ourselves, but to educate and advocate for the younger adults in our lives, as well.