Riding the back of a tiger – live life to the full
“Ageism” is stereotyping and discriminating against individuals on the basis of age. This term was first used by Robert Butler in 1969 to describe discrimination against senior members of society.
Robert Butler defined ageism as prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes. Today, ageism usually refers to discriminatory practices towards older people.
Rhetoric regarding intergenerational competition can be motivated by politics. A new definition of ageism was introduced in 2009. This definition positioned the elderly as a foundation for higher reliability. Lead researcher Isla Rippon, from University College London states that one in three older adults report age discrimination. If you feel you have been discriminated against, read this guide to UK law. A further study in 2012 showed that three quarters of people in the U.K. believed there were not enough opportunities for older and younger people to mix and work together. A shame, for they have much to learn from each other.
Michael Freedman, an outspoken advocate said against age discrimination in the art world:
“Mature students come to art late in life. Whatever happened to lifelong learning and the notion of a flexible work force?”
The elderly who are still physically and mentally fit have a lot to offer society and the local community. There is profit and advantage by sharing in their skills and experience. Yet society still tends to define the older population passed sixty-five as “over the hill”. This attitude needs to change so that seniors become a catalyst for growth rather than a burden to the state – on-the-job training of the young by seniors for instance.
Ageism is stereotyping and contradicts common sense and evidence. For example, age-based stereotypes can lead to very different conclusions when observing older and younger people say, with a back complaint or limp. The younger person’s condition is considered temporary – probably following an accident, whereas the elder person’s is considered chronic. This may in some cases be true, but elderly can recover quickly too, whereas young people can be permanently disabled.
So to all you ageism rebels out there, carry this ancient Indian proverb with you wherever you go:
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