Which kind of ageism is most common?

Over 80% of respondents in a poll of 84 individuals aged 60 and older reported encountering ageism, like others presuming they have cognitive or physical problems because of their age. According to a 2001 survey done by Duke University’s Erdman Palmore, Ph.D., the most typical form of ageism- reported by 58 percent of respondents- was being told a joke that made fun of seniors. 31% of those surveyed stated they were neglected or mistreated due to their age. This research was published in The Gerontologist (Vol. 41, No. 5).

Based on the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, which asked adults age 50-80 about forms of everyday ageism, 65% of them mentioned exposure to ageist messages in their daily life. This covers hearing, reading, and/or seeing jokes or things that projects seniors unattractive and undesirable.

This discriminatory belief has penetrated people’s minds, culture, and society. I think there are three most common types of ageism seen every day. The first goes to Institutional ageism. It’s the discriminatory age-related beliefs in the companies, institutions, and employment. Although this kind of ageism is forbidden in many states and countries, some famous companies, such as Intel, still aggressively look toward older employees. Interpersonal ageism occurs when a young person performs an act of discrimination, hate, or violence, he is committing interpersonal ageism towards the seniors. It usually happens within society and in social interactions. The third common kind of ageism is Internalized ageism. It’s the practice of discriminatory beliefs toward the seniors by the seniors themselves.

Unlike racism and sexism, age discrimination is a socially promoted bias. Ageism in hiring is only one example of how elders are mistreated, and it’s the most common, in my opinion. And it is often those from Gen Z to Generation X who do it. And it is in the form of a patronizing, condescending, sickeningly sweet tone in the presence of anyone with wrinkles.
Once you hit 50, the number of jobs you will be considered for decreases significantly. At 60, you become pretty unemployable except for positions that others with equal education and experience (but younger) would never consider doing. Societies are wasting an abundance of intellectual wealth and wisdom by ignoring the value of hiring older people. It’s a sad reality that is a loss for everyone involved. It is not only tragic but very disheartening and demoralizing to those who are recipients of such bias. Many could continue to make significant contributions to the workforce if given a chance. Unfortunately, I don’t believe it is going to change anytime soon. Sadly, it’s impossible to prove that you have been a victim of such bias, but it’s ordinary in every industry. Age discrimination is generally tolerated because the person discriminated against does not have many options.