Understanding Ageism
What Is Ageism?
Ageism involves stereotypes (what we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) based on someone’s age.
It can appear as:
- Internalized ageism – older adults believing negative ideas about aging
- Implicit bias – automatic assumptions about people of other ages
- Interpersonal ageism – “elderspeak,” patronizing remarks, jokes
- Cultural / institutional ageism – negative portrayals in media, or policies that disadvantage older people
How Ageism Manifests
- It is one of the few socially acceptable prejudices.
- Children as young as age 3 pick up age-based stereotypes.
- On U.S. TV, only 1.5% of characters are older adults, and many are shown in stereotypes.
- Marketing rarely targets older consumers; often older adults are shown in passive roles or being “helped.”
Why Ageism Matters
- Health & wellbeing: 82% of adults aged 50–80 report experiencing ageism.
- Longevity: Older people who view aging positively live on average 7.5 years longer.
- Intersecting discrimination: Ageism compounds with sexism, racism, ableism, etc.
- Economic cost: Age discrimination among older workers is estimated to cost the U.S. $850 billion annually.
- Healthcare costs: Some research estimates ageism contributes around $63 billion per year in health costs.
Ageism in Healthcare
- Older adults are often excluded from medical research and preventive care.
- Symptoms like pain, fatigue, or depression are sometimes dismissed as “just aging,” leading to under-treatment.
- Medication mistakes are a major risk for older adults, contributing to falls, confusion, and disability.
- Discrimination in medical settings is not rare: 1 in 20 older adults report frequent discrimination.
- The U.S. has a shortage of geriatric specialists; reimbursement often doesn’t match the complexity of care needed.
- Elder abuse and financial exploitation remain under-investigated and under-reported.
Ageism in the Workforce
- The share of workers age 55+ is rising; discrimination in hiring, promotion, and training is common.
- Many older workers report being passed over, undervalued, or pushed into early retirement.
- Multigenerational workplaces have advantages in innovation and retention.
- Older entrepreneurs often succeed at higher rates than younger ones.
The Diversity of Aging
- Older populations are increasingly diverse in race, ethnicity, sexuality, and ability.
- By 2040, 1 in 3 older adults in the U.S. will be from a racial or ethnic minority group.
- LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely to live alone and rely on “families of choice.”
- Repeated discrimination over a lifetime often leads to worse health outcomes in older age.
Busting Myths About Older Adults
- Older adults work: Over 11 million Americans aged 65+ remain in the labor force.
- Older adults use technology: 90% own computers, and over 60% use smartphones.
- Older adults spend & invest: In 2018, more than half of U.S. consumer spending was attributed to age 50+.
- Older adults care: Many are caregivers for spouses, friends, or grandchildren.
- Older adults lead & inspire: From grassroots activism to social media influence, many older people shape culture.
Aging in Maine: Context and Specifics
Incorporating the above understanding of ageism, here’s how aging plays out in the state of Maine:
Demographics & Trends
- Maine has the oldest population by median age of any U.S. state. (Spectrum Local News)
- In 2022, 22.6% of Mainers were age 65 or older, the highest share of any state. (KIDS COUNT Data Center)
- The state’s median age is around 45.1 years (or ~45) — well above the U.S. median. (Maine Children’s Alliance)
- The older adult share has been rising: in 2010 it was ~16%, rising to ~22+% by 2022. (USAFacts)
- Maine’s 65+ population is projected to grow by over 36% from 2020 to 2030. (Maine)
- The number of deaths has exceeded births in Maine for years, contributing to the aging trend. (Me Kids)
Health & Wellbeing
- According to the 2025 Maine Healthy Aging Data Report,
• 1 in 3 older Mainers have depression (the highest rate in New England). (Maine Council on Aging)
• More than half manage 4 or more chronic conditions. (Maine Council on Aging)
• Older women are more likely to live alone: 66% of women 65+ live alone (vs. 35% of men). (Maine Council on Aging) - On a positive note, a recent report shows Maine has among the lowest rates of chronic disease in older adults in New England. (mainepublic.org)
Economic & Social Challenges
- Poverty & income: Maine’s older adults often have low incomes. A statewide data book found that many older Mainers rely heavily on fixed and limited sources of income. (John T. Gorman Foundation)
- Housing & rural living: Much of Maine is rural, which means many older adults live far from health and social services. (Maine Council on Aging)
- Workforce impact: As older Mainers retire or reduce participation, Maine faces labor shortages, especially in rural areas. (franklinobserver.town.news)
- Health care adaptation: with a growing older population, Maine needs more in-home, telehealth, and home health services. (WMTW)
The Path Forward: Ending Ageism
Ending ageism starts with awareness and respect.
We must challenge stereotypes, value experience, and see aging as a shared human journey—not a decline.
In Maine and across the country, promoting age equity means:
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Including older adults in community planning and policy decisions.
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Encouraging age-friendly workplaces and healthcare systems.
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Portraying aging realistically and positively in media and marketing.
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Supporting intergenerational connections and combating social isolation.
When we replace fear of aging with appreciation for the wisdom and resilience that come with it,
we build a society where every generation is valued—and where growing older is not something to dread, but something to embrace.
