Breaking Ageist Barriers: Embracing Experience and Wisdom in the Workplace

"We need to end ageism, the last acceptable form of discrimination."

- Pauline R. Kezer

Let's dive into why embracing the seasoned professionals among us isn't just a moral imperative—it's a strategic advantage."

Where did the work place get the notion that we lose our edge as we get older? In fact, current findings suggest that it's quite the opposite. Most of us become more effective with experience and wisdom. A study published in the "Journal of Applied Psychology" in 2021, titled "Age and Work: Physical versus Cognitive Demands," conducted by researchers Matthew J. Perry and Margaret E. Beier, examined the relationship between age, task performance, and job complexity.

Their research found that while older workers might experience some declines in physical abilities, such as reaction time or manual dexterity, they often compensate for these declines by leveraging their accumulated experience and wisdom. Specifically, the study revealed that older workers tend to excel in tasks that require high levels of cognitive complexity, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities.

It makes perfect sense that older folks who have spent the bulk of our lives in the workplace might have a slight advantage over younger, less experienced co-workers. The idea or belief that we get less effective with age is not only untrue, it is negatively impacting the hiring process of the most qualified, among us.

The truth is, fifty and older folks interviewing for the same job as their younger colleagues have other advantages as well. One important advantage is more time. Now that we're not running around like headless chickens trying to juggle work, family, and everything else life throws our way, we've got more of it. More time to focus, more time to dive deep into our work, and more time to make things happen without the constant distractions.

Oh, and stress? Yeah, we've got a lot less of that too. With fewer plates spinning in the air, we can tackle tasks with a clear mind and a laser focus. No more burning the midnight oil worrying about whether we remembered to feed the cat or if we left the oven on.

So here's the deal: any company that turns its back on hiring seasoned pros because they think they're "past their prime" is missing out big time. Because let me tell you, embracing the wisdom and experience of older workers isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smart thing to do.

"We need to end ageism, the last acceptable form of discrimination."

- Pauline R. Kezer

by,

Lora Seibert

ACC Trauma-informed Coach