04:05 GLOBAL
rising life expectancy, the increasing cost of living, declining pension security, and shifting expectations around work and retirement. Understanding Ageism in a Global Context Ageism is a worldwide issue, affecting societies regardless of income level or geography. It manifests differently across cultures but shares common characteristics: assumptions that older individuals are less capable, less adaptable, or less relevant. Globally, ageism is often normalised. Casual remarks about being “too old”, workplace biases against older candidates (“too experienced”, “too expensive”, “too senior”), and media portrayals that prioritise youth all
contribute to a cultural narrative that undervalues later life. Unlike many other forms of discrimination, ageism is unique in that it affects everyone eventually. This universality makes it particularly important to address - not only as a matter of fairness, but as a reflection of how societies value human life across its full span. The Professional Shift After 50: A Global Pattern One of the most consistent experiences reported worldwide is a change in professional regard after the age of 50. While this threshold may vary slightly across industries and regions, the pattern is strikingly similar. Older workers frequently
face barriers when seeking employment. Employers may assume that they lack technological skills, are less adaptable to change, will demand higher salaries, or are closer to retirement and therefore a “short-term investment”. These assumptions persist despite evidence that older workers often bring stability, reliability, and deep expertise. Earlier in life, experience is typically associated with authority and competence. However, beyond midlife, this perception can shift. Experience may be reframed as rigidity, and seniority as resistance to change. This shift can manifest in subtle but impactful ways: being passed over for promotions, reduced inclusion in strategic or innovative projects, and assumptions about declining ambition or energy. Even in countries without mandatory retirement ages, older workers often experience
Unlike many other forms of discrimination, ageism is unique in that it affects everyone eventually.
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GLOBAL PAYROLL MAGAZINE ISSUE 24
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