Age discrimination in organizations is a significant problem and needs to be addressed effectively to ensure it is not an ongoing problem. Age discrimination unfairly discriminates against people based on their age and does not take into account other qualities, skills and experience that a person can bring to an organization. This discrimination may be against younger people, but it is actually more prevalent among older people, usually with people over, say, 50 years old. Age discrimination is rooted in stereotypical behaviors in which assumptions are made about people of a certain age.

It is often in the workplace that older people encounter age discrimination, in job interviews and in terms of job loss. Developed countries tend to have legislation to eradicate age discrimination in organizations, and this clearly provides support to people who are discriminated against. However, it is notoriously difficult to change people’s attitudes, habits and prejudices. Unfortunately, those who hold discriminatory views often don’t realize the harm they can do to discriminated people. If a person feels that she is suffering due to age discrimination, she will often lose her sense of self-worth and, at times, may become clinically depressed. Even if the effects are less dramatic than that, there will still be a serious detrimental impact on the health and well-being of the individual.

It is surprising to realize that research has shown how even people as young as 35 can experience age discrimination in organizations. Furthermore, overcoming these problems, particularly in the workplace, is easier said than done. At least the ongoing investigation shows us the facts, and revealing the depth of the problem can be a starting point to eradicate the problems. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that are actively campaigning against ageism and several of them can be found online. Such bodies will normally highlight the positive aspects of employing older or more mature staff. These would often include qualities such as dependability, stability, good time and attendance management, great experience, and the right attitude towards work.

Dealing with age discrimination in organizations is certainly not easy because the negative attitudes that people hold are often deeply ingrained and difficult to overcome. However, progress is being made and many organizations are realizing the value of employing more mature staff. The vast majority of older people simply need a chance to prove themselves. Once given that opportunity, they invariably tend to win over skeptics and become valuable assets to the organizations they work for.