Research shows age missing from diversity & inclusion discussion

June 8, 2022

When you think about diversity and inclusion, do you consider age?

Research shows that age is often missing in the diversity and inclusion conversation. Yet our unconscious biases, thoughts, feelings and actions about aging have direct consequences for young and old alike.

“Ageism is when age is used to categorize people in a way that results in harm, or being disadvantaged. It can also occur when age is used to divide people and injustice occurs, such as when institutional policies or practices perpetuate the stereotypes or beliefs about aging,” says Shannon Paul-Jost, a clinical nurse specialist in gerontology.

For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), older adults in the workplace are disadvantaged when they try to access specialized training and education. Ageism towards younger individuals is also apparent in areas such as employment, health, housing, and politics, where the youth voice is often denied or dismissed. 

For older adults, the impacts of ageism have wide-ranging consequences and is "associated with poorer physical and mental health, increased social isolation and loneliness, greater financial insecurity, decreased quality of life and premature death," according to a report from the WHO

To combat ageism, there are several strategies that can reduce prejudice and improve thoughts, feelings and actions towards aging:

  • Creating educational activities that focus on building empathy, creating compassion and dispelling misconceptions, to support people at any age;
  • Being strategic with planning and ensuring events and activities are intergenerational to promote well-being and reduce stereotypes;
  • Developing organizational practices and policies that do not categorize people by age; and
  • Supporting legislation that addresses ageism.

Learn more:

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

SCHF supports 100 Mile House & District General Hospital and health facilities, health projects, and the well-being of health-care providers & patients.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Thanks to a collaboration between Lillooet Hospital and School District 74, several local Lillooet students got a closer look into health care as a profession.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Nida has long felt called to pursue a communications position in health care. Today, she’s honoured and feels extremely thankful to be living her dream.

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

A new program in IH emergencies invites patients to share information about their relationship to alcohol, normalizing conversations and creating a safe space.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Connect with Jade Chaboyer-Kondra to learn more about what inspires her, meaningful experiences she’s had throughout her career, and her life outside of work.

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

If you're uncomfortable with your relationship to alcohol, we offer a detox program that's done from home. Learn more about outpatient withdrawal management.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail