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:
Including older adults in community planning and policy decisions.
Encouraging age-friendly workplaces and healthcare systems.
Portraying aging realistically and positively in media and marketing.
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.
