According to Yale gerontologist Dr. Becca Levy, “The single most important factor in determining longevity—more important than gender, income, social background, loneliness or functional health—is how people think about and approach the idea of old age.” In addition, Dr. Levy’s research reveals that it’s never too late for a person to cultivate a more positive view on aging and overcome ageism.
Ageism’s Impact
The American Society on Aging (ASA) defines ageism as, “stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age.” The ASA also points out that ageism intersects with other ‘isms’—racism, sexism, ableism, etc. As a result, individuals who face multiple biases in addition to ageism have even more disadvantages. And in the end, this compounding effect negatively impacts a person’s health and well-being.
In addition to the personal impact of ageism, it also takes a toll on society. According to AARP, the United Stated experiences an estimated $850 billion in GDP losses due to the impacts of ageism like “involuntary retirement, underemployment, and unemployment among older workers.” And according to a 2018 study by Dr. Levy, the one-year cost of ageism in healthcare was $63 billion.
Counteracting Ageism
How can we counteract ageism? One of the main ways is increased awareness. Across the nation, we mark Ageism Awareness Day on October 9, 2024. In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed the day to be Ageism Awareness Day. The purpose of this day is drawing attention to the impact of ageism. For it’s 2024 campaign, the ASA lists three top priorities:
- Recruit more people to take a public stand on ageism
- Invite new communities & organizations to recognize Ageism Awareness Day
- Share and promote pro-age related content
Learn More
To learn more about counteracting ageism, explore resources from the American Society on Aging.