Arguments Against Ageism

Growing older can create be challenging but it becomes more challenging when the aging population is exposed to ageism. Ageism is defined as stereotyping and discriminating against people based on their age (Ageism, n.d.). The term was first coined by Robert Neil Butler in 1969 to describe discrimination against seniors, and is similar to racism and sexist (Ageism, n.d.). Ageism consists of three elements, including prejudicial attitudes towards others, old age, and the aging process; institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about older people; and discriminatory practices against the elderly. Ageism is also used to describe discrimination and prejudice against people of any age, including assuming people should act a certain way because of their age or ignoring one’s ideas because of their age (Ageism, n.d.). The term is mostly used to describe discriminatory treatment toward older people. There are different types of ageism that lead to pitying, prejudice, and discrimination, especially in
Wage based age discrimination is often enshrined in law. In the United States and the United Kingdom the minimum wage laws allow employers to pay younger workers less. The peak age-wage is between 45 and 54 years old (Ageism, n.d.). Older people can have limited employment opportunities since they have little mobility and people will discriminate on the assumption of limited mobility or ability. Employers tend to encourage their older workers to retire early. Some political offices have qualifications that discriminate against the people for experience, education, or wisdom. For instance, the president must be 35 years old, a senator must be 30, and a congressman needs to be at least 25. In the UK, age discrimination against the elderly in employment has been illegal since 2006 (Ageism, n.d.). This caused the number of age discrimination cases to rise