Older adults may face various forms of violence in their jobs, here we explain some of them and provide information on the following tips that will enable your organization to have better practices that combat ageism in the workplace.
At Mexico The following are recognized elderly persons such as those over 60 years of age. According to data from the National Population Council (Conapo)is estimated that in 2025 there will be more than 17 million people aged 60 and over in Mexico.which represents the 12.8% of total population.
However, projections to 2030 indicate that there will be more than 20 million inhabitants in the world. in this population group. It is for this reason that it concerns us to talk about the role of older adults in the work environment. and how to combat the violence that lives in it.
What types of violence do older adults face in Mexico?
In a exclusive session given by psychologist Jessica Casas of the Purple Lens Foundation to ComproDiverso's member companies, The mental health specialist explained that older adults face various types of violence in the workplace. and divided them into three types:
A) Ageism
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines This concept is described as follows:
"The way we think, feel, and act with respect to others or ourselves by reason of age."
Ageism is manifested in stereotypes, prejudices and practices that limit the development of older adults. This can affect workspaces in a variety of ways, for causes:
- isolation social;
- anxiety, physical and mental exhaustion;
- generates less motivation y less self-esteem;
- loss of economic security.
B) Invisibilization
This refers to the indifference or rejection that can exist towards an elderly person.
C) Verbal and psychological violence
In this case, words or expressions are used that perpetuate negative stereotypes to the elderly. KNOW HOW NOT TO REFER TO THE ELDERLY.
Age discrimination in the workplace occurs when:
- there is a stigma that older adults are no longer productive.;
- layoffs or lack of promotions;
- early labor desertion because they are replaced by a younger profile;
- salary gap accumulated (in the case of women);
- invisibilization of mental health problems (it is more common in men, as they are socially expected to be strong).
Best practices to combat ageism in the work environment
Finally, Jessica Casas also gave five recommendations of good practices that can help to make the organization more inclusive of the elderly:
- creating inclusive policies that consider this sector of the population;
- have continuous training and to contemplate technological upgradesThis reduces the generational digital divide;
- organize awareness-raising workshops on the subject to all staff;
- give psychosocial support and emotional;
- recognize the elderly within the company, emphasizing the value of your expertise.
Did you know about the violence experienced by older adults in the workplace and how to combat ageism in companies?
With information from Conapo, Purple lenses y WHO
