My Blog on Ageism as published in Venture Guelph Newspaper, June 2017

1. Title: Ageism? by Karen McElroy, Age Friendly Guelph Leadership Team member,
CEO Boardroom Metrics Inc.
Webster’s dictionary defines ageism as ‘prejudice or discrimination against a
particular age-group and especially the elderly’.
We face ageism throughout our lives. When I was twelve, I was too young to
continue the swimming lessons I was enrolled in!
Isn’t age irrelevant?
Part of our mission at Age Friendly Guelph is to accommodate the differences in
aging – to reduce barriers and eliminate pre-conceptions.
When it comes to ageism, I see there are a couple of ways we can all make a
difference.
First, create awareness.
In a local supermarket this week I checked out behind a gentlemen likely in his late
seventies or eighties. Checking out didn’t go well – or quickly. I got irritated. I
asked myself “Why do older people take so long, be so disorganized, act so
helpless?” Then, “Woah! Stop! Talk about ageism! I’m as bad as anyone – and I’m
in the middle of writing an article about it!” That was a shocker.
It forced me to think hard about my own age-based attitudes. I discovered that
even though I consider myself open and understanding, I have pre-conceptions
about different ages that affects my judgement about people. Is it just me?
The second way I see making a difference is accommodating the needs of different
generations. I’m not a store expert – and I know many retailers take age-
awareness seriously. However, watching the gentlemen struggle in front of me this
week made me wonder what else might improve his shopping experience. What
technology or different organization of the shopping process might benefit him and
others?
I just want to get older and be happy. Happy with today. Happy with being open to
new things, people, and experiences. Are you? What pre-conceptions do you have
about elders, older people, seniors, getting old? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Please contact Age Friendly Guelph, by phone 519-823-1291 ext. 2691, by email
via agefriendly@guelph.ca or visit Guelph.ca/agefriendly