Ageism Persists Despite Legal Protections and Progress

The Continuing Battle Against Age Discrimination

The fight against ageism in the workplace is a longstanding issue that continues to affect workers across the globe. Despite measures like The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which made it unlawful to discriminate against individuals aged 40 or older, age-related biases still exist. Helen Dennis, a nationally recognized expert on aging, sheds light on ageism’s ongoing presence and how older workers remain resilient despite these challenges.

Historical Context of Age Discrimination

Let’s take a journey back to when Harold L. Sheppard’s 1970 book, “Towards an Industrial Gerontology,” brought attention to employment issues for older workers. Although the term “gerontology” may have faded from use, the book’s themes, such as job redesign and age discrimination, are still very much relevant today. Throughout the decades, the topic has endured countless discussions, including hearings by the Senate Special Commission on Aging, further emphasizing its significance.

Statistics Reveal the Harsh Reality

According to AARP, roughly two-thirds of older workers have either seen or experienced age discrimination. Nearly one in six adults seeking employment have been turned away due to their age, and over 10% report being bypassed for promotions. Additionally, a mounting older workforce, growing from 2.8 million in the mid-80s to an impressive 11 million, continues to face these obstacles.

Unconscious and Conscious Biases

Janine Vanderburg, a thought leader on age bias, elaborates on key unconscious biases that older workers often encounter, including perceptions of digital incompetence, an inability to learn, and potential discomfort for younger supervisors with more experienced subordinates. Vanderburg points out that not all biases are unconscious, with some being directly intentional, making the path toward acceptance even more challenging.

The Optimistic Long-term Vision

Despite the hurdles, there’s a silver lining in the long-term outlook. As Janine Vanderburg shares, the growing older population offers hope as they bring resilience derived from overcoming past economic crises. The Protecting Older Workers from Age Discrimination Act (POWADA), introduced in May 2025, seeks to address these issues by promoting equal opportunities for older workers.

The Road Ahead

As individuals like T.B. continue their job search, Helen Dennis emphasizes the importance of persistence. Ageism is indeed a journey rather than a destination, where legislation, data, and personal experiences all contribute to the broader narrative. The mission to see older workers thrive in environments that value their wisdom and experience is one that continues. According to Press Telegram, though the fight against age bias remains uphill, the unwavering spirit of older workers further illuminates the path forward.