We’re all too painfully aware of our country’s issues with discrimination, and how it’s sparked violence and protests over issues such as police brutality and profiling. The topic has dominated news headlines for the last few years.

Yet still, there’s an equally sinister and damaging form of discrimination that affects millions of Americans: age discrimination. The negative and self-limiting view of older adults often backs them into a corner, undermines them, and only amplifies feelings of isolation and alienation.

If you’re an older adult, what can you do to identify age discrimination? What should you do to fight it?

Aging & Its Stereotypes

Age no doubt brings its challenges, which can limit a person’s abilities. Aches and pains, declining stamina and weaker cognition can take its toll. But one must ask, why are we so critical of seniors because of their limitations when they possess many advantages such as wisdom and perspective?

Take a look at young people for example. They have an abundance of energy, enthusiasm and ambition, but that may come with impatience, entitlement and unrealistic expectations. Yet we champion youth as the ultimate ideal for all humanity.

This unfortunate line of thinking is the reason why we have so many ageist stereotypes. In fact, if you’re in your 50s or older, you may have experienced some of the following:

• Older adults are slow to learn – There is a decline in cognitive ability with age, but the brain retains its ability to learn for one’s entire life.
• Older adults are out of touch – One of the fastest growing sectors for the use of technology in all its forms are adults in their 50s, 60s and beyond.
• Older adults don’t have any energy or strength – Many older adults compete in marathons, travel the world and even launch businesses.
• Older adults don’t have fun – Just look at many commercials, YouTube videos and other media, and you’ll see examples of older adults doing what younger people enjoy.

Just reading those statements can make one feel down about themselves. And although none of them are true, they serve as the basis for people to discriminate against older adults.

Where Age Discrimination Rears Its Ugly Head Most

Age discrimination can appear in almost any form. It’s the reason why certain scams and fraud target older adults more (in part due to vulnerability), and why certain programs and services seem to neglect people over a certain age.

However, age discrimination shows up most often in the workplace. And this is a major concern since many Americans are Baby Boomers, who may have to work past 65. The numbers paint a dismal picture.

• 64% of workers say they’ve witnessed or experienced a form of age discrimination
• Workers over age 55 typically wait three months more than younger people to find jobs
• 58% of American workers think age discrimination begins in one’s 50s

Regarding that last statistic, age discrimination can start as early as one’s 40s. This isn’t surprising since there were times when job ads explicitly said “people over 35 need not apply”. And even in our current day, reports have surfaced detailing Facebook job ads excluding those over age 40.

How to Fight Against Age Discrimination

Technically speaking, age discrimination (like any form of discrimination) is an illegal practice. And there are consequences for organizations found guilty. However, therein lies the problem – proving age discrimination can be difficult.

So if you’re an older adult in the workforce, your best defense is a strong offense. That means having a plan of attack if you’re looking for a new job, or if you notice age discrimination at your place of work. Here are some useful tips from Monster.

Side-stepping Age Discrimination

• Stay Current On Technology – Every industry nowadays relies more on technology, whether it’s with the use of apps, artificial intelligence or mobile devices. Some organizations fear that older adults tend to ignore these tech platforms. This is not at all true, and it’s helpful to prove them wrong by demonstrating your ability to use new technology.
• Update Your Resume – If you’re hunting for a new job, you may have to repurpose your resume, especially if you haven’t changed jobs in years. Recruiters and hiring managers base much of their choices on the initial look and “feel” of a resume. So it’s wise to add some modern fonts and design to your resume, as well as updated skills that match today’s requirements. You can work on the resume with a younger family member who’s acquainted with the job market, or a resume writing service if you need assistance.
• Find the Right Company – The most crucial piece of advice for any older worker is to find a company that welcomes talent of all ages. Some companies, especially startups and those in specific industries, prefer younger workers either because of the corporate culture or the nature of the job. Other companies have no such barriers. It will take research in various forms to find the right company. That could mean networking, reading online reviews or simply looking at the staff (if listed) on a company’s website.

Fighting Ageism Head-On

Unfortunately, some of you may face or see a colleague face age discrimination at your current place of employment. These cases are trickier because unlike trying to get a new job, a worker may feel as if they are the mercy of an employer. And that may lead some to tolerate ageism when they shouldn’t.

• Support a fellow colleague – If you notice that a colleague is experiencing even subtle ageism, show support for that individual especially if you have a healthy work relationship. Show them they are valued by delegating challenging yet rewarding tasks, and give them praise for a job well done.
• Speak out against ageist comments – Some workers may inadvertently make comments to single out older employers as being less capable. You can tactfully but firmly remind these individuals of the need to respect all employees, regardless of their looks, beliefs and age.
• File a complaint in serious cases – In cases where there is open ridicule (which is rare), then legal complaints stand as an option. Remember, it is illegal for any business or employer to engage in age discrimination.

The Importance of Fighting Against Age Discrimination

Fighting age discrimination is vital because it can literally save one’s health and life. It may seem like an exaggeration, but the discrimination can trigger isolation and depression among older adults.

If crippling loneliness and depression take hold of an older individual, then the risk of acquiring more serious brain illness (ie. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia) increases. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to fight age discrimination where possible, and to work with those who respect you for you, not based on your age.

Age Gracefully At the Workplace

If you may have to work past 65, it’s important for you to feel just as comfortable as your younger counterparts. You are no less capable than they are. Even if you may not have the physical energy that they have, you no doubt possess wisdom and experience that will take them years to gain.

It’s important for your colleagues and employers to see this, and they will respect you for these traits if you use them confidently. Age discrimination is an unfortunate part of today’s corporate world, but it doesn’t have to hold you back from enjoying a challenging and rewarding career.