Stop Silencing the Elderly: Why Ageism Deserves Our Attention
Growing older is something we all hope to do. Yet for many people, aging comes with something unexpected: a loss of voice. Too often, older adults feel dismissed, unheard, and overlooked in everyday life. Their opinions may carry less weight at work, their needs may be ignored in healthcare, and their contributions may go unrecognized in society.
This isn’t just a generational misunderstanding—it’s oppression in the form of ageism.
Ageism is one of the most socially accepted prejudices today. And while other forms of discrimination are openly challenged, conversations about ageism remain rare. That silence allows it to persist.
Ageism is one of the most socially accepted prejudices today.
While other forms of discrimination are openly challenged, conversations about ageism remain rare. That silence allows it to persist.
What Does Ageism Look Like?
Ageism doesn’t always come with loud insults or obvious exclusion. It often shows up quietly:
In job applications that never get a call back.
In laws and policies that limit opportunities by age.
In families where older relatives’ opinions are brushed aside.
Despite making up one of the fastest-growing groups in the U.S., older adults are consistently left out of decision-making at work, in politics, and even in their own homes.
Why It Matters
By 2040, older adults (65+) will make up nearly a quarter of the U.S. population.
Yet research shows they are still viewed as “low status” and “less competitive” across cultures. These stereotypes strip them of power and dignity.
When workplaces assume older adults can’t perform, or when laws reinforce age-based restrictions, it doesn’t just harm individuals—it weakens our communities. We lose wisdom, experience, and the chance to create truly inclusive spaces.
Building an Anti-Oppressive Approach
Challenging ageism means moving from passive awareness to active change. Here are a few starting points:
In the workplace: Commit to fair hiring practices, provide equal advancement opportunities, and include ageism in cultural competency training.
In communities: Create spaces where older adults are asked for their input and genuinely heard.
In personal life: Reflect on your own assumptions. Do you dismiss advice from someone older because of their age? Do you equate “young” with “better”?
Anti-oppression for older adults is about restoring voice and choice—removing barriers so they can participate fully, just like anyone else.
A Personal Commitment
As a therapist, I hold myself accountable to:
Reflecting on my own biases around age.
Continuing to learn about policies that harm older adults.
Creating safe spaces where elderly clients feel valued, empowered, and heard.
Change doesn’t always require big gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as listening to the “little old lady” at the counter and recognizing that her voice matters as much as anyone else’s.
Final Thoughts
Ageism may not always make headlines, but its effects are deeply felt. When we dismiss the voices of older adults, we don’t just silence them—we silence part of ourselves, because aging is something we will all experience.
It’s time to give our older generations the respect, representation, and opportunities they deserve.
