How to Alter Ageism: The Last Tolerated Discrimination

Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on a person's age. This bias can vary from blatantly aggressive behavior, either physically or emotionally, to benevolent patronizing. In a world of social media’s fake but glamorous model-like looks, grey-haired wrinkled people seem to be pushed into the shadows. Their wisdom through the ages is often ignored or not given the respect it deserves.

Baby Boomers are often regarded as a low-tech generation since they were not raised in a digital age. However, it was this generation that created the PC and the internet. Steve Jobs was a pioneer of the personal computer era transforming telecommunications. Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, is also a boomer and considered one of the greatest inventors of all time. And we cannot forget about Bill Gates, who launched Microsoft. This generation’s wisdom shouldn’t be regarded as lacking tech savvy.

On the other hand, there are still people from the Baby Boomer generation that do not have internet access. Not having access is the dividing line of digital acumen. It isn’t that they cannot learn technology; they just don’t have access. This fact became clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines were only scheduled via the internet. Not having it became a health issue. But given access and training, the Baby Boomers could do everything from online browsing to TikTok videos.

By 2030, all of the Baby Boomers will be over the age of sixty-five. This age, for many people, is considered a retirement age. But long gone are the days of sitting in a rocking chair with an Afghan crocheting a sweater. With the largest amount of personal wealth, this group can travel the world or do anything else they want to do.

But instead of buying bigger houses, this age group is downsizing. They might want to age at home, “the ability to live safely, independently, and comfortably in one's own home and community,” they are frequently relegated to senior living centers and nursing homes. During COVID-19, these centers were locked down for their own safety but left the elderly lonely and abandoned. Segregation of a population would be considered discrimination against other groups.

However, the solution is easier than it seems. Even if they don’t currently realize it, the younger generation has much to learn from the wisdom of the Baby Boomers. The trick is in the approach. As a Boomer, Are You Eldering or Oldering? If you want your grandchildren to learn some of your life lessons, are you listening to them? It is a two-way street in sharing each other’s knowledge.

Millennials and Gen Zs grew up with technology. Helping those in the previous generations become more technologically familiar and fluent will improve the self-worth of both parties. What skills can you share with your grandchildren? Do you sew, play the piano, or even cook? All the basics that could have been missed during the hectic screen time generation can now be shared.

One of the most valuable activities for the rising generation is storytelling. When grandparents tell stories about their grandparents, the multi-generational value lessons are passed along. Yes, telling them about how you grew up without the internet and walked to school uphill both ways can always get a laugh. But telling tales of how your great-grandfather was in an explosion at the Sugar Factory that sent him flying through a window where he landed on a train that took him downtown Chicago is a true tall tale that won’t be forgotten.

So, fight the discrimination of ageism by aligning your children with grandparents. Many successful societies, such as the Japanese, celebrate the elderly by having a national holiday called “Respect for the Aged Day.” They have the utmost respect for their wisdom. It is also common for multiple generations to live in the same home. This helps combat loneliness and provides a healthy, happy environment for all.

No matter what the interactions are between the generations, just do it before it is too late. The memories will be forever. And remember, it is a privilege to grow old; not everyone has that opportunity.