Many are weary of the claims of others' causes. They understand them, yes, but they are weary of how insistent they can be in an attempt to raise social awareness to change reality. One of those topics that tires young people is ageism, something they consider as “old” and therefore not relevant to them. But that's not true, ageism is discrimination based on age, at any age, and precisely the greatest discriminations are suffered by both the elderly and the young.
This is reflected in the new campaign “I am older, I am like you,” organized by five entities (Grand Friends Foundation, Pillars Foundation, Aging Network, HelpAge International Spain, and Matia Foundation), which focuses on these two generations, sometimes at odds in today's society, precisely aiming to eliminate ageist barriers and prejudices that condition the way we relate to each other on a daily basis. Moreover, it aims to bring them together through mutual recognition of the contributions made by both young and older people for the benefit of society.
The elderly and the young are the most affected by age discrimination and rejection
To ascertain the invisible and naturalized nature of ageism in society, the five organizations have conducted a video survey with young and older people to answer what they know about ageism, what preconceived ideas they have about each other, how they personally experience the effects of age discrimination, what they believe people of different ages contribute, or how they handle natural signs of aging, such as wrinkles, gray hair, or skin sagging, in an ‘anti-aging’ era.
Responses from both sides reveal that few people know, at first, what ageism is, but when they realize it, they do start to identify it in their own lives. Older individuals realize that because of their age, they are excluded from everyday activities, especially those related to banks and digitalization (increasingly so each day). And when they delve deeper, they describe how often they feel “left out,” as their listeners seem to disregard the value of their reflections.
The organizations promoting the campaign are urging to overcome stereotypes about older people
And what about young people? Well, because they are younger, they feel like they are constantly judged by others, labeled as irresponsible, self-absorbed, part of the “snowflake generation,” or deemed superficial. They express their frustration at facing difficulties in finding a job due to lack of experience (“how are we supposed to gain experience if we are not given the opportunity?” they ask). Without a job, there is no emancipation, independence, or responsibility.
The story of older and younger people coming together in discrimination and when asked what the other brings to them, respect emerges. Some to the grey hair, for their experience; others to the wrinkle-free faces, for the vitality and drive that youth brings.
So? The conclusion is clear: talking about perspectives helps nurture empathy. It shows that beyond the candles one has blown out, there is much in common. “I am older, I am like you.”
Everyday restrictions
The organizers are calling for an end to situations where a person is denied a trip just because they are older or they are not granted a supermarket card
The five entities endorsing this campaign (eighth edition) call on society as a whole to challenge stereotypes, promote diversity and inclusion, and advocate for policies and practices that respect and value the experience and wisdom of all generations. Intergenerational solidarity.
And not letting ageism materialize in language as “elderly,” “old,” “kid,” which are often used in a pejorative sense and force us to think that older people are all the same, frail, and dependent, and the young are inexperienced, reckless, soft...", the cited entities indicate.
And they call for an end to situations such as denying a person a trip or refusing to grant them a supermarket card just because they are older, or preventing them from participating in an electoral board because they are over 70. They also demand an end to healthcare discrimination based on age, as seen in clinical trials where there are hardly any older adults participating (despite their significant presence), or in mental health referrals “where, in the case of older people, the usual practice is to offer medication rather than the support of a psychologist or psychiatrist,” note the campaign organizers.
Discrimination against young people focuses more on the work life and professional development, they point out. A work life that allows them to continue their life path.
