The Law and the Injustice of Age Discrimination
Age discrimination is not just unfair but itās illegal. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, individuals aged 40 and older are protected from workplace discrimination based on age. This law prohibits employers from making hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation decisions based on age. Yet, despite legal protections, ageism continues to push capable, hardworking individuals out of the workforce, stripping them of their livelihoods and dignity.
The Silent Epidemic of Workplace Ageism
I believe age discrimination is like a crime, a silent but devastating one. How can we justify pushing someone out of the workforce simply because of their age, when they still have the skills, passion, and drive to contribute? Itās horrible to see talented professionals dismissed as ātoo oldā rather than valued for their knowledge, experience, and mentorship. Whatās even more troubling is the hypocrisy we will all grow older. The same biases that impact todayās older workers will eventually catch up with us.
The Hidden Cost of Age Bias
Organizations that engage in age discrimination donāt just hurt individuals but they hurt themselves. Studies have shown that multigenerational teams outperform those with limited diversity, as experience complements innovation. Older employees bring stability, problem-solving skills, and deep industry knowledge, which younger employees can learn from. When companies push out seasoned professionals, they create gaps in leadership, knowledge transfer, and workplace culture.
Breaking the Myth That Older Workers Canāt Adapt
One of the biggest misconceptions fueling age discrimination is the belief that older workers cannot adapt to change or new technologies. This is simply false. Many professionals continue learning, upskilling, and evolving throughout their careers. Age does not determine adaptabilityāmindset and opportunity do. Instead of assuming older employees canāt keep up, organizations should provide equitable access to training and development, ensuring that all employees, regardless of age, have the chance to grow and contribute.
We Are All Heading in the Same Direction
What many fail to realize is that age discrimination is self-destructive. When we discriminate against older individuals, we are essentially building a future where we, too, will be cast aside. It is as if society refuses to acknowledge its own trajectory. We must ask ourselves: If we allow this now, what will happen when itās our turn? We must start thinking long-term, not just for those experiencing ageism today, but for ourselves and future generations.
Letās Be Allies in Ending Age Discrimination
Itās time to shift our mindset. Instead of seeing age as a limitation, we must recognize it as an asset. Letās commit to valuing experience, pushing for fair hiring practices, and standing against workplace ageism. Together, we can create a culture where every individual, regardless of age, has the opportunity to thrive. Because one day, it wonāt be āthemā facing discrimination but it will be us. I love my work and thrive on being productive, so I plan to keep going until Iām 100 years oldāor as my friend John Malady would say, until I reach level 100!
Elga Lejarza
Founder & CEO
Lejarza HR Consulting
