Campaigners want people to stop saying ‘ageist’ phrases like ‘stuck in their ways’. Here’s why
Campaigners are urging the public to ditch common “everyday ageist phrases” such as “down the hill” and “stuck in their ways” due to their harmful effects on older people.
Research from the Center for Better Aging finds that even those in their late 40s and early 50s frequently encounter this type of language.
A survey found that one in 10 respondents in this age group were labeled as “over the hill”, while almost a quarter were told they were “stuck in their ways”.
The problem also extends to older demographics; Almost one in 10 (9 percent) of people aged 65 and over are called a “dinosaur” and 13 percent of people over 75 are considered “sell by”.
Campaigners argue these statements “help entrench ageism in society” and can significantly erode personal trust as people get older.
The research also showed that 8 percent of those aged 45-54 had heard the adage “old dogs can’t learn new tricks.”
Almost a fifth (18 per cent) of adults surveyed admitted using the phrase “mutton dressed as lamb” to describe an older person.
Harriet Bailiss, co-chair of the Age Without Borders campaign at the Center for Aging Better, said: “Our survey shows that these everyday ageist phrases are still very widely used.
“We probably use these expressions without thinking, but their repeated use helps entrench ageism in society, which can limit everyone’s jobs, health, relationships, ambitions and self-confidence as they age.
“Therefore, on this day of unlimited birthdays, we call on the country to stop and reflect, to question and challenge ageism.
“Our society would have a more positive and less restrictive outlook if these expressions were not so common and every day, which is why it is important that we try to stop using them for the benefit of us all.”
Katherine Crawshaw, also from the centre, said seemingly harmless things could have damaging knock-on effects on people.
He said: “We want people to stop and question whether they’re making judgments or assumptions about people based on their age. We want people to think about what they’re actually saying and what impact those words might have on others.”
“It may seem harmless, but it all feeds into a persistent bias in our society, which can mean that people are overlooked for a job they desperately need or the medical treatment they need is ignored simply because of their age.
“We want people to question and challenge these ageist assumptions. By doing this, we all have the potential to create positive change for ourselves and others.”
The Center for Aging Better said Opinium surveyed 4,000 British adults online in January.
