Ageism: Don’t “Yuck” my “Yum”
The silent joy-thief we don’t talk about
When people think of prejudice, age rarely tops the list—yet research shows that one in every two people on Earth holds ageist attitudes. (World Health Organization) Whether it’s telling a 22-year-old they’re “too young to know anything” or writing off a 62-year-old as “over the hill,” ageism chips away at our sense of worth and possibility. And when worth and possibility erode, joy quickly follows.
I frequently discover new paths of joy. New music, books, artists, and creators. The excitement I feel when I discover a new music artist or take a deeper dive into an existing favorite is exhilarating! So, is it inappropriate for me to enjoy the music of a certain (ahem), Korean "boy band"? NOPE! I will not apologize for it, and do not "yuck" my "yum". I come from a generation of Punk Rock, New Wave, Metal, Rap, and boy bands. I wasn't into boy bands in the '90's, but I find the current wave is full of extremely talented artists that are gradually breaking free of their constraints and producing their work. My current obsession is two albums by BTS member, RM. Check out "Indigo" and "Right Place, Wrong Person". He'll change your perspective.
If I follow an ageist mindset, then I miss out on many new and wonderful experiences! In my opinion, the retirement home is going to be "lit" for Gen X'ers.
Recently, I was saddened by a creator's video where she stated that she was torn on what to wear to a concert. Should she dress for her "age" as a mom taking her daughter to a concert, or does she dress as the fan she is to the band? She became a fan of the band when her daughter was very young; now, 10 years later, her daughter is also a fan. She was torn. She put herself in a box.
Ok, so let's get into the nuts and bolts of ageism.
How ageism worms its way into our hearts
We start believing the stereotypes.
Internalized ageism is powerful: Older adults who absorb negative messages about aging show higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. (ASA Generations)It narrows our life options.
Age-based bias appears in hiring, promotion, health-care decisions, housing, and even dating apps. A 2024 study found that everyday ageism predicts poorer mental health and reduced civic participation among adults 50 +. (Taylor & Francis Online)It drains community connection.
Younger people are feeling the squeeze, too. A massive 23-country “Global Flourishing Study” (2022-24) revealed that 18- to 29-year-olds now report lower life satisfaction than most older cohorts—partly because society labels them lazy, fragile, or entitled. (Vox)It harms the body as well as the mind.
The World Health Organization estimates that 6.3 million cases of depression worldwide are directly linked to ageism. (ASA Generations) Negative age stereotypes are also associated with slower recovery from illness and even shorter lifespans.
Why less joy hurts everyone, not just the target.
When any group is sidelined, we all lose out on their talents, creativity, and wisdom—think of the mentor who retires early because they’re “past their prime,” or the young activist ignored because they “haven’t lived enough life.” Communities with high levels of ageism spend more on health care, struggle with workforce shortages, and miss intergenerational innovation. (American Psychological Association)
Reclaiming joy across the lifespan and what it looks like in real life:
Flip the script: Replace throw-away jokes like “I’m having a senior moment” or “OK, boomer” with curiosity and respect.
Seek intergenerational moments: Volunteer programs that pair teens with retirees, mentorship networks in start-ups, or multi-age community art projects foster empathy and mutual growth.
Audit your media diet: Follow creators of varied ages. Diverse representation rewires the brain faster than abstract intention.
Champion age-inclusive policies: From fair-hiring guidelines to continuing-education stipends, advocacy creates structural joy, not just personal coping. WHO’s Global Campaign to Combat Ageism offers ready-made toolkits for workplaces and cities. (World Health Organization)
Practice Ikigai at any age: Joy springs from purposeful living. Ask yourself: What do I love? What am I good at? What does the world need from me right now? Answering those questions slices through age labels and centers unique gifts.
A final word
Ageism is the prejudice we all risk experiencing if we’re lucky enough to keep having birthdays. It’s also the prejudice we can all actively dismantle today. When we drop the “too young” and “too old” scripts, we open a wider field of possibility, purpose, and shared laughter. Joy has no expiration date, and wisdom isn’t measured in candles on a cake. Let’s make space for every voice at every season of life and watch collective well-being rise. I look forward to the future!