Growing older is a privilege denied to many, it’s a cliché but it’s a cliché because it’s true. Everybody gets to be young but only the fortunate are lucky enough to grow old, yes I am definitely pro ageing.
I recently read an article that had such an effect on me, I was prompted to address the issue myself. The piece was about the not so cleverly disguised language used by recruiters to get around anti discrimination laws in order to legally reject older job applicants. Ageism at work is alive and well my friends and it’s time we had the conversation, addressing the more mature elephant in the room.
The piece I read was posted on the ABC Australia website and as much as I’d like to say otherwise, the fact that I wasn’t shocked is in itself, shocking.
There are many things I love about being in the world right now and one of those is the conversations we are having about discrimination – of any kind. Discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation and marital status – yes folks that used to be a thing – is finally recognised as the ugly reflection it is of those doing the judging.
Conversation is powerful. But the one ‘ism’ that still doesn’t seem to be as openly discussed in the work environment, and it’s no more obvious than during the job application process, is ageism. To me this seems crazy! It also says so much about the company or recruiter doing the hiring.
Most work places now have clear policies on rights and obligations, with strong consequences for discrimination and bullying of any kind. Ageism however, albeit subtle, is still tolerated, yes it does still show up, and I know that because I’ve seen and heard it in all it’s subtle forms.
Making the assumption that somehow youth is what – better, smarter, learns faster, more attractive, more articulate? This is at best, the height of arrogance. The language largely used to market products and services for the over 50’s is still about anti ageing, personally I believe this to be out of touch. The world we live in is evolving, at a rapid pace thankfully. A more relevant, liberating and respectful attitude to ageing is to embrace the process – I mean really, is the alternative a preference to growing older?
The irrelevance of judging a book by its cover has never been more clear than it is now. Companies who have an issue with employing older people are under representing, in some cases ignoring, the very people they are aiming their marketing at. An under represented demographic presents a skewed view, considering people buy products and services from those they can relate to and see themselves in.
We live in really exciting times with so much at our fingertips. In terms of health and longevity we are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. The percentage of Australians aged over 50 is consistently increasing, making up a large chunk of the population. At a time in our human evolution where judging people’s abilities based on the way they look shows a complete lack of vision with an inability to look ahead to see the bigger picture.
Contrary to some of those who choose to believe otherwise, you don’t need to be under 50 to navigate the world of tech really well. Many of my friends and colleagues over 50 are not only incredibly tech savvy, they see both the benefits and the challenges of a tech focused world, having lived long enough to judge first hand.
There is so much to be gained by each generation for each generation, the world and the places we work would be very beige and ‘same same’ without the rich diversity that comes with difference.
So…because my network of friends and colleagues consists of a broad range of ages of men and women who are all incredibly knowledgeable, intelligent and experienced, here is just a taste of what I know to be true about growing older.
Growing older is a privilege denied to many and it certainly beats the alternative.
It’s highly insulting to judge people’s abilities based on their age and says more about the judger than the judgee.
- Age brings wisdom, a wealth of knowledge and very often a thirst for learning.
- Ageing well means there is a broad, rich bank of knowledge and lived experience to draw from.
- Experience teaches that there is almost always more than one way to do something – anything.
- Knowing how to have fun is an art form and there is plenty of wicked fun had and to be had.
- We don’t care so much about what other people think of us and we can laugh at ourselves.
- Self acceptance comes with age, increasing tolerance and compassion for others.
- Older people are happy to share knowledge and teach others skills.
- Those who have raised children (and many of those who haven’t) have mastered the fine art of negotiation, collaboration, creative thinking and peaceful conflict resolution.
Seeing so many changes in the world teaches surrender, if you can’t control everything you don’t sweat the small stuff.
Diversity of age isn’t just a smart way of benefiting all generations who work together, it’s also common sense. Having a work force balance that represents and reflects all your customers and provides the opportunity for each generation to learn from and teach each other, is a very smart business move.
But hey recruiters, if you can’t get past the silver locks and the ‘story of life’ lines that are mapped out in rich fullness on somebody’s face, I would say you are doing yourself and your company a huge disservice. The advantages to being older make work, relationships and life a rich tapestry.
Let’s talk about ‘pro ageing’ people – because I for one, am really over the negative stereotypes perpetuated by those who talk about ‘culture fit’ when what they really mean is age.
To continue the conversation, you can get in touch with me here.
Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash