Ageism ‘scars’ older workers

Ageism at work is “scarring” older people at work according to the Centre for Ageing Better, following a survey showing that more than half of adults over 50 have experienced ageism in the last 12 months.

Age-based discrimination is most commonly experienced in the workplace among people in their 50s and 60s, the interviews revealed, with 37% reporting discrimination at work, as against 32% on social media, television or films, and 32% as a consumer.

One in three people over 50 believe they have been turned down for a job because of their age, the research found, while one in five employers believe age discrimination occurs in their organisation. Nearly half a million people between 50 and 64 are currently out of a job but would like to be working.

“Ageism scars lives,” said the centre’s chief executive, Carole Easton. “It is often dismissed as harmless, but if you look at the research or speak to people affected, you realise ageist ideas can be incredibly damaging for individuals and wider society.”