80 per cent of women have faced ageism in their careers. Here’s why it’s bad for their mental health

Eighty per cent of women have faced ageism in their careers and almost fifty per cent believe this is an issue that’s not going away any time soon, a new report says.

On Feb. 26, Women of Influence released a report entitled “Exploring the Impact of Ageism on Women in the Workplace,” highlighting data from the experiences of over 1,250 working women across 46 countries from different industries. 

Women of Influence conducted the survey between Jan. 9 and Feb. 4 of this year via e-newsletter and social media.  

Ageism is defined by how we think, feel, and act towards others or ourselves based on age, according to the World Health Organization. 

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According to the report, around 80 per cent of women surveyed have encountered age-related discrimination during their careers. Survey participants feel age creates a bias for women and how hard they will be able to work.

“Women are either too young, too old, or may be in the age range of having children. All are viewed as negative,” one of the survey respondents said. 

Although ageism affects everyone of all ages, older men are often seen as “distinguished” or “very experienced,” while older women are viewed as being “past their prime.” 

Racialized women are especially prone to being unfairly treated. 

“The perfect age in the workplace for a woman is a perpetual 34-years-old. But that’s too young to be in the C-suite or in a senior position. Women of colour need to be older, but still look full of vitality,” one respondent commented. 

Promotions also seem to pose a problem with the report finding almost fifty per cent of women have been treated unfairly in the process. The survey shows all levels of seniority in the workplace play a role in permitting ageism, including recruiters and HR departments. 

One of the survey respondents said she was advised by an HR personnel to colour her graying hair in order to appear younger. 

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More than 62 per cent of women felt their stress increased due to experiencing ageism and 55 per cent said they had lower self-confidence because of age-based discrimination, according to the report. 

“Ageism is associated with earlier death (by 7.5 years), poorer physical and mental health, and slower recovery from disability in older age,” the World Health Organization said on its website.