Unpacking Personal Ageism

Ageism is often discussed as an outside force, influencing our daily lives. However, we don’t often stop to reflect on how ageism plays a role in our opinions and actions.

Try out the activity below to identify where ageism impacts your life, and reflect on where to make changes to live a life less impacted by age bias.

Activity 1

Write down a list of stereotypes you’ve heard about older and younger generations (in the workforce, society, healthcare system, or elsewhere). Document instances where you remember hearing the stereotypes, and reflect on how the stereotypes impacted your own actions or actions of others in these specific situations.

Activity 2

Reflect on and document specific instances where you have held yourself back based on age-based stereotypes. This could be holding yourself back from applying to certain job roles or types, avoiding activities stereotyped as meant for other generational groups, or any other instance where you felt you were “too young” or “too old” to participate.

Activity 3

Identify ways to lessen stereotypes about yourself and others in your daily life. Take action items on what you identify every day to start living a life less impacted by both external and internal ageism.