Ageist youngsters resent working with the over 60s

Ageist youngsters resent working with the over 60s Workers over 60 should give up their jobs to make way for young adults who can work faster and more effectively, according to a survey. Young adults aged 18 – 24 years old were revealed as harbouring ageist attitudes in the workplace in the study for care home and retirement property provider Anchor. More than 2,000 were questioned and around 40% (800) answered that they did not believe enough were jobs were available for the over 60s to keep working, while 14% went as far as urging them to retire to make way for youngsters. One in five (21%) claimed over 60s were slower and less productive than youngsters and 5% said they should take a pay cut for not working as effectively as others.

In response to the study, Anchor wants the government to appoint a ‘grey pride’ minister to champion older workers. The firm is calling for 10,000 people to sign a petition supporting the call for handing over to 10 Downing Street later this year. Anchor chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “Casual ageism has no place in society and the negative perceptions bear no reality to the lives of the over-60s today who are active, energetic and contribute hugely to many of the most successful businesses and organisations in the country. “The dismissive attitudes highlighted by Anchor’s research towards the over-60s are a sad indictment of attitudes in this country.” She went on to say that it was unfair that the government had ministers for equality, women, the disabled and children but not for the over 60s, who comprise 25% of the population. Other findings from the study reinforced the ageist stereotype by suggesting the over 60s were grumpy (18%) and out of touch with the modern world (21%). Around 70% of young adults dismissed older relatives as important family members, 10% felt visiting older relatives was a chore and 5% did not know what to say when they met their older relatives.

 

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