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

2 Minute Read
Community & Culture

A partnership between School District 73, Thompson Rivers University and IH, HSA offers high school students an opportunity to explore careers in health care.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

The Interior Health (IH) Legal Substances Team and the YOUTHWISE Advisory Group are excited to launch IH’s annual youth poster contest

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Emily Davidson is continually reminded of her why and inspired by the resilience of patients, their families and her colleagues.

6 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Housing is a right. IH’s Health & Housing Program Plan aims to improve health-care access for people experiencing housing insecurity and those living outdoors.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Sahra joined IH just two months after graduating from Okanagan College, and has served in many roles with IH that led her to where she is today.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Interior Health has non-judgmental drug checking services throughout the Interior region. Samples as small as a grain of rice can be tested.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail