This article describes the challenges that people of middle age and older face in the workforce and in other areas of their lives, like accessing mental health counseling services. Career counseling can help address age discrimination in the force.
“The number of Americans 60 and older is growing, but society still isn’t embracing the aging population, geropsychologists say. Whether battling ‘old geezer’ stereotypes or trying to obtain equal standing in the workplace, those who are 60 or older may all too often find themselves the victims of ageism.”
“In fact, in a survey of 84 people ages 60 and older, nearly 80 percent of respondents reported experiencing ageism–such as other people assuming they had memory or physical impairments due to their age.”
“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has reported a more than 24 percent increase in the number of age-discrimination complaints filed this year compared with the previous two years. Employees over the age of 40 are often considered ‘old’ and not offered the same training, promotion opportunities and pay as younger colleagues.”
“… ageism also seeps into mental health care. Older patients are often viewed by health professionals as set in their ways and unable to change their behavior, aging experts say. Mental health problems–such as cognitive impairment or psychological disorders caused at least in part by complex pharmacological treatments–often go unrecognized and untreated in this growing demographic, many researchers believe.”
“… people’s positive beliefs about and attitudes toward the elderly appear to boost their mental health. Levy has found that older adults exposed to positive stereotypes have significantly better memory and balance, whereas negative self-perceptions contributed to worse memory and feelings of worthlessness.”
“Indeed, the value that the media and society place on youth might explain the growing number of cosmetic surgeries among older adults.”
https://www.apa.org/monitor/may03/fighting
If you are interested in exploring career counseling or life transitions counseling with Elaine Korngold, LPC, and how age discrimination impacts you, contact Elaine to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation.