Ageism is a pervasive issue in today’s society, particularly within and around the workplace. While systemic barriers certainly play a significant role, it’s equally important to address our personal perceptions of aging. How we view our own aging process can profoundly impact our experiences and opportunities.
Understanding Ageism in the Workplace
Ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed against individuals based on their age. In professional settings, this often manifests as assumptions that older employees are less adaptable, technologically challenged, or nearing the end of their productive careers. Such biases not only undermine the confidence of seasoned professionals but also deprive organisations of the wealth of experience and knowledge these individuals bring.
A recent event by the Female Leadership Community in Luxembourg, hosted by Odgers Berndtson, shed light on this pressing issue. Isabelle Schlesser, Director of the Agence pour le développement de l’emploi (ADEM), highlighted how among unemployed individuals uin Luxembourg, there is a significant portion of people aged 45-64, and that those remain statistically unemployed the longest, despite many holding advanced degrees. This statistic underscores the systemic barriers, but also some psychological hurdles that contribute to the underutilisation of experienced talent.
The Role of Positive Psychology in Promoting Positive Aging
Positive psychology, the scientific study of what makes life most worth living, emphasises strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. When applied to aging, it shifts the focus from decline to growth, from limitations to possibilities.
As a positive psychology coach, I often work with clients who feel they’re “too old” for the next step in their careers or personal lives. They believe they’re too old to flourish financially or to pursue their true desires. However, by reframing common struggles as opportunities, we can shift this narrative. This doesn’t mean viewing every hardship as a gift, but recognizing that failure is a natural part of learning, hardship can lead to resilience and growth, and struggles can build character and meaning.
Mindset Transformation: Embracing Growth at Any Age
I personally believe and have seen it in many clients that a crucial aspect of combating ageism is addressing internalized beliefs about aging. Many individuals harbour fears and misconceptions about growing older, often viewing it as a period of inevitable decline. But actually when we shift the perspective, midlife and beyond can be times of significant personal growth, opportunity, and fulfilment.
As highlighted by Biswas-Diener (2010), while aging does bring physical changes, it also offers advantages such as increased wisdom, life experience, and the opportunity to create meaningful legacies. By reframing aging as a period of continued development, individuals can approach this life stage with optimism and purpose.
Cultural Narratives and Personal Perceptions
Cultural narratives also significantly influence our views on aging. Western societies often portray midlife as a time of crisis, yet they also send messages that people are staying healthier and more capable later in life than ever before. Our personal experiences and family histories further shape our perceptions.
It’s crucial to reflect on how we feel about getting older. Is it scary? Exciting? A combination of both? Understanding our own attitudes toward aging is the first step in reframing them.
Systemic Change: Creating Inclusive Work Environments
This is not to simply state that “everything is in the mind”. It is equally important to note how beyond individual mindset shifts, there is a pressing need for systemic change within organisations- or even social groups.
Efforts are still needed in e.g. implementing policies that promote age diversity, offering continuous learning opportunities, and -last for not least (!) – challenging stereotypes about older workers.
Conclusion: Positive Psychology Coaching Can Help
Combating ageism requires a dual approach: transforming individual mindsets and enacting systemic changes within organisations, and even society.
Positive psychology coaching provides the tools to reframe perceptions of aging, emphasising growth, potential, and the unique contributions of individuals at every life stage.
By embracing these principles, we can create a society where age is truly just a number, and every individual has the opportunity to flourish professionally and personally, regardless of their chronological age.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Sophie
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Inspired by:
Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). Practicing Positive Psychology Coaching: Assessment, Activities, and Strategies for Success. Wiley.
Levy, B. R. (2009). Stereotype Embodiment: A Psychosocial Approach to Aging. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(6), 332–336.
Burnes, D., Sheppard, C., Henderson, C. R., Jr., Wassel, M., Cope, R., Barber, C., & Pillemer, K. (2019). Interventions to Reduce Ageism Against Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), e1–e9.
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