How to tackle ageism!

Yesterday was my birthday and I invite you to join me in continuing the celebration.

As for all of us, this past year around the sun has come with challenges. But there are also reasons to celebrate. I kept my health. I expanded my professional network and found new global advisory and training opportunities. I even found a new love. Thank you, Damien. And anyway, as my grandpa used to say: “I enjoy celebrating another birthday because it’s so much better than the alternative”.

Great point, Grandpa. So, while some people may not choose to make a fuss about their birthday, I’m a girl who likes a party and I’m happy to raise a glass with friends (virtually, of course, since the pubs in Ireland remain closed). I also love cake. But when it comes to revealing the number of candles on that confection, I’m a firm proponent of, ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’.

Why? Simple.

Because, gentle readers, ageism is real.

The term was first coined back in the 1960s by American doctor Robert Butler. He went on to become the founding director of the National Institute on Ageing, establish the first department of geriatrics at a US medical school and win a Pulitzer Prize for his writing on the topic. Dr Butler died in 2010, but the discrimination he was so passionate about lives on.

It’s an unusual form of discrimination that each of us is likely to experience if we live long enough. As gerontology specialist Leacey Brown of South Dakota State University observes, “We subtly accept ageism with little comment or concern. For example, we have all seen the advertisements for anti-ageing products. Imagine the uproar that would ensue if companies were marketing anti-feminine or anti-race products.”

Let me first acknowledge and applaud women (and men) who choose to divulge their age. Age is certainly relevant in various circumstances like when someone graduates college at 13 or swims the English Channel at 90. Michelle Obama, who turned 57 this year, regularly talks about getting older on her podcast. But she isn’t interviewing for employment, is she?

So, for today, I’ll narrow my focus to the job market. A recent AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) study reports two out of three workers age 45 and older say they have experienced age discrimination. Unfortunately, most of us working stiffs often get lumped into three age brackets: Twenties, thirties and ‘Oh, you’re looking well’.

For those of us in the ‘looking well’ category, here are some tips.

1. Emphasise energy over experience

A friend recently made redundant from a high-ranking role within a financial company told me her career adviser urged her to eliminate the dates next to titles listed under ‘experience’ on her CV. The danger here is that she might intimidate a would-be employer or be considered ‘overqualified’. Likewise, during an interview, switch your discussion to enthusiastically focusing on the opportunity instead of itemising every year of experience.

2. Relate, don’t retreat

When talking with younger colleagues, strive to be relatable by keeping current with culture. Brush up on the latest Netflix series or viral TikTok. You don’t need to completely immerse yourself into every possible trend, but don’t be overly self-deprecating or dismissive either. Saying phrases like, “when I was your age”, or “that was pre-Instagram” is not going to help you connect with your teammates.

3. Shape up

People tend to gain weight with age and when you compound the more sedentary lifestyle you may have adopted while working from home, you’re not going to love this tip. But, I have to point out that scientists are not the only ones who connect physical health with mental health. Employers make that connection too.

The more fit you are physically, the more you will be perceived as someone who is fit for the job. The same goes for your wardrobe and grooming. I know we’re all Zooming in our track suits and haven’t had a visit to the salon or barbershop in months. But when restrictions finally do lift and we head back into the office, please wear something sharp and current and tend those tresses. And for heaven’s sake, if you have hair growing out of your ears, take care of that too.

4. Power up your social media

While you’re taking care of your executive presence, you could probably stand to improve your social media presence too. To move from bland to grand, go to Canva.com to discover template ideas for refreshing posts and headers on LinkedIn, Instagram and more. Review the wording of your descriptions about yourself to ensure they’re engaging and human, not robotic or stale. Don’t be afraid to be creative. You can always adjust your copy. If you write the same old, same old, you’ll sound, well, old.

5. Deflect with humour

Would-be employers can legally ask if you’re over 18, but how much over is off limits. That said, especially at birthday time, someone may directly enquire in a perfectly friendly way. It’s up to you if you want to tell, but if you don’t, I encourage you to prepare your dodge well in advance, so you’re not caught off-guard. Layering in a little levity with your response will help you to still be considered kind and not curt.

We can’t stay young, but we can strive for relevance, relatability, and repartee. Next year, when I will invite you to join me for a proper party at the pub Damien’s family runs, we’ll raise a glass – in person – and sing Happy Birthday. Just don’t ask me my age. My number will remain unlisted.