According to a new study by the Age Without Limits Campaign, a worrying number of people continue to believe ageist myths regarding older workers.
The survey was commissioned by Centre for Ageing Better. It examines the negative assumptions about older employees’ adaptability, competency and value at work. Age Without Limits, which will launch in January 2023 aims to change negative attitudes towards ageing.
One-fourth of respondents (24%) said that it was not a good idea to hire someone older than 50. They cited the perception of slower work and less adaptability.
More than one fifth (22%) of respondents also consider providing on-the-job training to workers older than 50 a waste, as they assume that these employees will not remain in their positions for very long. Around one third (32%) of the respondents believe that people get less proficient with technology as they grow older.
The younger generations and men have stronger ageist views
The survey revealed differences in attitudes among genders and age categories. Over one-fourth of men (27%) think it is not a good idea to hire someone older than 50 years old, as opposed to only 21 percent among women. In-job training is also seen as a waste by men (26% vs. 18%).
The younger generations, especially those between 18-24 years old, are more likely to have ageist opinions. Nearly half of those aged 18-24 believe that hiring older workers does not make good business sense. This compares to only 4 percent of those 65+. 36 percent of 18-24-year-olds believe that training older employees is wasteful, while only 3 percent in the over-65 age group think so.
Research also shows that those aged 25-34 years are more likely than older people to think they become less proficient with technology. 46 percent hold this opinion, compared with 22 percent for people 65+.
Dr Carole Easton, OBE, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better said: “The percentage of people who do not see the benefits and value of employing those in their 50s or 60s is alarmingly high but also not surprising.”
Ageism is most often experienced at work, according to our Age Without Limits campaign. These attitudes are so depressing when older workers can help to solve skills shortages and boost the economy.
Education Qualifications and Ageist Assumptions
The study shows a correlation between ageist attitudes and higher education qualifications. People with higher educational qualifications, such as degrees and doctorates are more likely than others to have negative attitudes towards older workers.
Nearly one third (31%) of people with Level 4 qualifications believe that hiring workers older than 50 is not a good business decision, compared with 17 percent for those with Level 3 qualifications. In the same way, 29 percent of people with Level 4 qualifications believe that training older employees is wasteful, compared with 13 percent of people with Level 3 qualifications.
The group with the highest qualifications is also more likely than those with lower qualifications to think that older workers are less proficient with technology. 35 percent of this group hold this opinion, compared to lower percentages for individuals with fewer credentials.
Carole Easton stated, “The ageist attitude is more prevalent among those with the highest education qualifications, who are likely to be making decisions about hiring, promoting, and developing workers in their 50s or 60s. It is no surprise that older workers have a lower likelihood of receiving in-work training and are more likely than younger ones to be laid off or experience difficulties finding a job.
It doesn’t need to be like this. We can help older workers to reach their full potential by recognizing and challenging ageism at work.
Ageism: The impact on the elderly
Danielle Barbereau, a Sheffield resident, shared her experience with ageism in the workplace. She found it difficult to find another job in the same industry after being fired from her senior management position.
She explained that she was “overqualified” for junior positions and not a good fit for similar roles. She was frustrated by these obstacles and decided to change careers. She launched her own company, where she is now thriving.
Barbereau said that ageism could occur anywhere and at any time. When you begin to notice it, you realize how widespread it is and the impact it has on your thoughts and actions.
Barbereau said, “I do not want to be restricted by negative assumptions people have about me due to my age. That’s why Age Without Limits’ campaign is so important.” We’ll all get old someday.
