Today, ageism continues to exist in the workplace, and unfortunately, many older adults continue to experience this seemingly acceptable form of discrimination. An example is the June 2022 retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. At age 83, Justice Breyer was the oldest member on the bench and entitled to serve what was supposed to be a lifetime appointment. One can argue that the Democrat’s request for his resignation was politically motivated and the driving force behind his decision to resign. While pleased with his replacement, Justice Katanji Brown Jackson, I can’t help but wonder if anyone else saw the request as unfair and discriminatory since Justice Breyer was mentally and physically able to do his job.
Many industries, such as airline pilots, federal and state police officers, physician partnership groups, and firefighters, have age-mandated retirements. However, the difference in these industries is that employees know that there is an employment expiration date before they accept the position. At the time Justice Breyer retired, he was the oldest person on the bench, and while there was a political strategy, why was it okay to use his age as an excuse to coerce him to retire? This happened despite the existing laws against ageism in employment. Should we, as gerontologists, be concerned about forced or coerced retirement at this level, as it could trickle down as justification in other sectors of society?
The aging population is growing rapidly and many older adults are choosing to remain in the workforce past the traditional retirement age. Ageism has always been an uphill battle and is so deeply embedded in our society that most people see it as acceptable. For this reason, we must speak up at every opportunity and point it out wherever it exists.
During this U.S. presidential election season, the topic of age has again been thrust onto the national stage. However, this time, the narrative is highly damaging. President Biden has been in office for 3 1/2 years, and it appeared he could cognitively perform his duties. However, that perception quickly changed when he took center stage in the presidential debate, and the world observed his current physical appearance and mental capacity. Many of the networks quickly began demonizing the signs of aging. One well-known reporter commented, “Joe Biden looks so old, so frail, and cannot beat Father Time.” Indeed, no one can beat Father Time, but people can request respect and dignity while going through the process.
Of course, we understand the diversity associated with aging and that a person’s chronological age does not necessarily dictate their mental or physical capacity. Case in point, Dr. Fauci was 80 years old when he led the nation through the pandemic. Nevertheless, our culture’s lack of empathy towards older adults, as evidenced by the jokes and callous comments about Joe Biden’s perceived condition, continues to demean and offend older adults and the aging process.
Let’s face it: the Office of the President of the United States may be considered the most stressful position in the world. That notwithstanding, to prevent older adults from being dismissed based on appearance, measurable criteria should be established to assess a person’s ability to perform a job at all levels, from the White House to low-wage earners.
Perhaps we can seize the opportunity during this election season to bring the narrative of ageism to the forefront and make a policy correction to the Supreme Court appointees. A few suggestions include:
· Either eliminate the lifetime appointment of Supreme Court Justices or require annual mental and physical exams to assess cognitive skills. Currently, there is no formal process as the Justices rely on each other to monitor their colleague’s cognitive condition.
· Establish an active watchdog organization to flag negative and derogatory speech about aging and older adults. The organization will hold people accountable for using inappropriate and disrespectful language that marginalizes older adults in media of all forms.
· Continue to increase education about aging and inform others about ageism through television advertisements and social media to create and maintain an accurate and respectful narrative about older adults and aging.
However challenging it may be, these suggestions can be implemented if we have the will to do so, as I believe all things are possible! This election season has already catapulted ageism onto the national stage. All we have to do now is frame it correctly and keep it moving.
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