Older Americans Month Tackles Age-Related Bias

Getting older is very different today than it was in prior generations. People are living longer and staying healthier and more active as they age, which means more older adults are working, traveling, and giving back to their communities later in life. With advancements in innovation and modern resources that support independent living, older adults can remain connected to their communities in ways their grandparents could only imagine. Yet the narrative around aging has not kept pace with reality. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, it's important to recognize the need for society to Flip the Script on Aging and share ways everyone can change the narrative about getting older.

The Impact of Age-Related Bias

Despite advances in aging, negative stereotypes about getting older still exist. The way older adults are often misrepresented across media outlets, policy, and communications can lead to some very real obstacles that impact their wellbeing in ways we are just beginning to calculate. For example: 

• Between 64% and 73% of older adults have experienced age-related bias in the workplace.
• It takes job seekers over 55 between two weeks and three months longer to find a job than their younger counterparts. The duration goes up even higher for job seekers over 65.
• Negative stereotypes about aging can impact the health of older adults.
• Ageism is expensive, leading to billions of dollars in costs each year. 

The Facts About Older Marylanders

Older adults contribute to society through innovation, economic impact, and influence in many ways. By checking our own bias against the facts, all of us can change the narrative about aging and revise our expectations about getting older to paint a more accurate picture. For example: 

• Older adults are critically important to the Maryland economy, contributing billions of dollars in support for jobs, spending, and tax revenue.
• Older Marylanders give back to the community at higher rates than their younger counterparts.
• Older workers are a valued population in the workforce, bringing many positive attributes that Maryland employers look for.
• Multigenerational relationships strengthen Maryland communities.

Gov. Moore Proclaims May Older Marylanders Month 

"Eliminating age-related bias is vital to fostering a society that values people of all ages, ensuring Marylanders are treated with the respect, dignity, and equality they deserve, and dismantling misconceptions that limit opportunities and perpetuate discrimination," Governor Moore states in the proclamation. "Older adults make significant economic contributions, both as members of the workforce and as consumers, driving growth and innovation across industries, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the economic vitality of our community." Click here to download the full proclamation. 

How LRM Intends to Flip the Script on Aging 

By learning to recognize and avoid age-related bias when talking about growing older, we make space for promoting fact-based messages about older adults, improving our own impression of aging, and celebrating the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community. LRM has specific objectives across several of our Epic Goals intended to build multigenerational communities and prevent age-related bias health care systems, communications, workforces, and programs across the state. Visit Aging.Maryland.gov for ways to address age-related bias and help Flip the Script on Aging in your community.