At 56, with 57 approaching, the physical changes of aging are becoming noticeable. While these are personal and not for detailed discussion, they are certainly not a source of amusement. Beyond the physical, a more subtle, negative effect of getting older is emerging: ageism.
Open insults are yet to occur, but there’s a growing, subtle perception that younger individuals view me as past my prime, a relic of the past. Evidence suggests this trend is only set to worsen. In the United States, a study involving 1915 adults aged 50 to 80 revealed that nearly all participants routinely encountered age-based discrimination. Two-thirds reported regularly witnessing or hearing ageist stereotypes, including jokes at the expense of older people. Approximately half experienced ageism through assumptions in interactions, such as being perceived as hard of hearing, technologically inept, forgetful, or in need of assistance when none was required. The prevalence of these prejudices increases with age.
Perhaps most striking is that over 80 percent of respondents reported experiencing “internalized ageism.” This refers to holding negative expectations about one’s own mental and physical health as one ages, essentially amounting to self-directed ageism.
These three forms of ageism are remarkably widespread, particularly within Western societies. The study indicated that only a small fraction, 6.5 percent, had never encountered any of these manifestations, likely belonging to the younger demographic within the study’s scope.
The Amplifying Effect of Internalized Ageism
Ageism in any guise is concerning, but internalized ageism is particularly troubling. Recent research has increasingly demonstrated that this specific form of ageism actively accelerates the aging process. Becca Levy, a researcher at Yale School of Public Health, points to an “extensive body of… research” indicating that individuals who harbor negative views about aging tend to experience poorer health outcomes as they age.
For instance, a Harvard University-led study found that older adults with the most positive outlooks on aging exhibited slower physical, mental, and cognitive decline. They also reported healthier eating habits and increased exercise compared to those with the most negative views – a direct outcome of internalized ageism. Importantly, this wasn’t a case of individuals already experiencing poor aging becoming more negative; participants’ attitudes at the study’s inception predicted their subsequent health trajectory. While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, the clear takeaway is that negative attitudes toward aging contribute to a faster aging process.
Levy’s work has also shown that individuals over 65 diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a significantly higher likelihood of recovery if they maintain a positive perspective on aging. It was previously understood that about half of MCI patients recover. Levy’s findings highlight that a substantial majority of those who do recover are relaxed about the prospect of aging.
The cumulative impact of these negative attitudes is substantial, affecting individuals and society at large. Levy’s research group recently presented a model suggesting that annually, among Americans aged 60 and over, ageism directly contributes to 3.2 million additional cases of the eight most costly diseases associated with old age, resulting in an economic burden of $11.1 billion.
The conclusion drawn from this evidence is clear: internalized ageism represents a significant, yet often overlooked, health issue with profound financial costs for both individuals and healthcare systems. Levy characterizes it as a public health crisis.
The Origins of Ageism
Internalized ageism does not originate solely from within; it is part of a mutually reinforcing cycle. When older individuals encounter any form of ageism – whether in personal interactions, media portrayals, advertising, or even during healthcare encounters – they absorb these negative messages. This constant barrage of harmful stereotypes is known as institutional ageism.
Similar to institutional racism, institutional ageism is deeply embedded in many cultures and often goes unrecognized. The World Health Organization has noted in a recent report that the existence of such ageism is frequently overlooked because its underlying rules, norms, and practices have become normalized over time and are perceived as simply the way things are.
It is self-evident that ageism is a counterproductive form of prejudice. We all age daily, and many will reach old age. An individual exhibiting ageist attitudes today risks becoming a victim of their own prejudices if they live long enough, finding themselves trapped in a world of ageism they helped perpetuate.
Addressing Ageism’s Roots
A potential, though not fully comprehensive, solution exists. In 2014, Levy and her colleagues demonstrated that attitudes towards aging could be improved through subliminal messaging highlighting the positive aspects of growing older. However, implementing such interventions on the necessary scale would be an immense undertaking.
The prolonged struggle against institutional racism illustrates that combating deeply ingrained prejudices is a multi-decade endeavor, invariably marked by setbacks. It is unlikely that institutional ageism will be eradicated within my lifetime. Nevertheless, the intention is not to succumb to its influence. Instead, the aim is to actively pursue a more enjoyable approach to personal aging.