Campaigners are calling for an end to everyday ageist phrases, such as labeling people "dinosaurs," arguing that such language helps entrench discrimination in society. According to research by the Centre of Ageing Better, one in 10 people aged 65 and above have been called a dinosaur, while 13% of those over 75 have been told they are "past their sell-by date."
Prevalence of Ageist Language
The study also found that one in 10 people in their late 40s and early 50s have been branded "over the hill," and nearly a quarter have been told they are "stuck in their ways." Among adults aged 45 to 54, 8% have been told that "old dogs can't learn new tricks." Furthermore, almost one-fifth (18%) of all adults surveyed admitted to using the phrase "mutton dressed as lamb" about an older person.
Impact on Society
Harriet Bailiss, co-lead of the age without limits campaign at the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasized the harmful effects of such phrases. "Our survey shows that these everyday ageist phrases are still very commonly used. We probably use these phrases without thinking, but their repeated use helps to entrench ageism within society, which can limit everybody's work, health, relationships, ambition, and confidence as we grow older," she said.
Katherine Crawshaw, also from the centre, highlighted the damaging knock-on impacts. "It may seem harmless but it all feeds into an ever-present prejudice in our society, which can mean people being overlooked for a job they desperately need simply because of their age, or not being considered for the medical treatment they need," she explained.
Call to Action
On age without limits day, the campaign is urging the public to stop and think about the language they use. "We want people to question and challenge those ageist assumptions. By doing so, we all have the potential to create positive change for ourselves and others," Crawshaw added. The campaigners believe that a more positive and less limiting outlook could be achieved if these phrases were not so common.
