How to Combat Negative Stereotypes About Aging?
Imagine a society that celebrates age as a source of wisdom, not derision—free from the negative stereotypes that diminish older adults. Communities like The Commons in Lincoln actively work toward this vision, providing environments where older adults are valued and empowered, not marginalized.
We may honor the older adults we know, yet society often tells a different story. Cultural bias about aging shapes how we value people as they grow older, limiting their opportunities and stifling their potential. From hiring managers who favor youth over experience birthday cards to that mock getting older, subtle messages reinforce the idea that aging is something to resist rather than respect. Unlike racism or sexism, ageism is still widely accepted—and often goes unquestioned.
Where Does Ageism Begin?
Ageism is discrimination or prejudice against someone their age, and it is a learned behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children begin to notice their culture’s age stereotypes by age 4. From then on, they absorb and use these ideas to shape how they feel and act toward people of different ages. They also apply these stereotypes to themselves, which can lead to self-directed ageism. Whether ageism begins with parents, peers or exposure to media, it can become an attitude that people take into adulthood.
The Many Faces of Ageism
Ageism can be subtle, but its impact is anything but small. Here are three examples of ageism in everyday life:
Workplace Bias
In today’s workplace, age can be a dealbreaker. Nearly 70% of people think 50 is “old,” and 77% say employers passed them over for a job because of their age. Studies show older applicants—especially women—get far fewer callbacks, and many hiring managers admit to considering age, favoring younger candidates or avoiding those with an “elderly” appearance. All this, despite Americans living longer, staying healthier, and working well into their later years.
Media Stereotypes
The way the media portrays older adults shapes how they are perceived and treated. Older characters in film and television are often pushed to the margins or reduced to tropes like the “grumpy old man,” the “nagging wife,” the forgetful “dementia patient” or the frail, dependent senior. The media often portrays older adults as out of touch or resistant to technology, a stereotype that is both inaccurate and limiting. One study found that between 2014 and 2019, older adults made up only 11.8% of characters in top-grossing films, and negative portrayals in the media outnumbered positive ones by six to one. Surprisingly, magazines contain some of the most ageist content.
Healthcare
Ageism is also common in healthcare, where older adults may have their symptoms dismissed as “just aging” instead of being tested for treatable conditions. Some experience “elderspeak” where providers call them “honey” or “dear,” talk down to them or speak to their care partners instead of to them. Ageism in healthcare can lead to both overtreatment and undertreatment, undermining trust and limiting the quality of care older adults receive.
Changing Perceptions and Attitudes
Bringing generations together is one of the most effective ways to break down biases about aging. Activities that bring together older adults with people of other generations help break down stereotypes, promote better understanding and demonstrate the reality of being an older adult.
Intergenerational Engagement
The Commons in Lincoln champions activities pairing older adults with other generations, dissolving stereotypes and fostering deeper understanding.
In one trial, high school students were paired with older adults for “intergenerational wisdom-sharing.” The younger participants came away with more positive attitudes toward older people—and a stronger sense of life purpose. When older adults share their time, joy, and wisdom, people of every generation benefit.
Language Matters
Changing the negative language of ageism is also critical to driving change. One study found that strengthening positive age beliefs improved how people saw themselves as they aged—and led to significantly better physical function.
Communities like The Commons in Lincoln are helping move society away from unfavorable terms like “elderly” and toward neutral terms such as “older adults” that do not involve stereotypes. We know that older adults can still live a vibrant, engaging and fulfilling life at any age.
Taking Action
By creating positive expectations and using empowering language about aging, we can help older adults build confidence and feel more willing to engage in a wider range of activities. In doing so, we don’t just improve individual lives—we strengthen our communities for every generation.