Myths and facts about older workers

 

Competence and ageing

Multiple definitions of “competence” are used in the literature, including capable, skillful and intelligent. It is often examined in conjunction with “warmth”, as these are the two core dimensions of social judgement and stereotype content theories used by some researchers. Competence stereotypes are a challenge to untangle because studies use varied definitions and stereotypes frequently overlap. Being seen as less competent has implications for older job candidates competing with younger candidates, even when an older candidate may simultaneously be seen as warm. An older worker’s ability to innovate (relating to idea implementation) is a factor in project managers’ perceptions of their competence. A large, multi-country study in Europe found that older workers are more satisfied with their jobs when they live in a country that views older workers as competent

 Ageism has been identified as one of five challenges facing older Canadians in the labour force.Ageism may occur as an age-based stereotype: or as a mechanism to judge others quickly. Stereotypes arise from societal culture and our experiences with members of stereotyped groups. Entrenched stereotypes about older workers are possibly due to implicit attitudes…assumed to have developed over an individual’s lifetime. Paternalistic attitudes are often reflected in stereotypes about older adults being warm, good-natured, sincere and happy, but barely competent. Since society holds negative perceptions of age and ageing, negative attitudes towards older workers may be rooted in a broader context associating age with decline.

Age-based stereotyping

 Did you ever come across age-based stereotyping when you wee working? Back when I was in my 30’s and was department head, I had some older people in my department. I was skeptical from time to time about their ability to do the job. I did not realize that I was skeptical because I was practising age-based stereotyping. I questioned their competence, not based on anything substantial but because of their age. I did it without thinking and without any knowledge of the motivation behind my thinking. I was, in my 30’s an ageist which is wrong, but it took me a long time to realize my fault.

Ageism is rooted in how we perceive age and ageing. There is research that suggests that across cultures and continents, young adults (those most often identified as having ageist attitudes) hold remarkably similar perceptions of ageing; that is, there is an increase in wisdom but a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks or competence. This was true for me, the older people I worked with I thought had skills, and knowledge, but lacked the ability to do the job every day.

Many studies identify competence as a common negative stereotype about older workers. This stereotypical view of older workers being less competent than younger workers (under 29) is held by young adults, human resources professionals, and other workers with a mean age of 35.

Age-based stereotyping in the workplace is complex. Stereotypes can and do occur at three different levels: individual, organizational and societal. Individual-level stereotypes about older workers’ competence, adaptability (most often associated with technology and learning) and warmth (meaning sincere, kind, or trustworthy) are most common.

Often, the image of an older worker combines both positive and negative stereotypes. For example, older workers have been described both as “warm” but resistant to change or lacking adaptability. Individual-level stereotypes also include assumptions about older workers’ health and work-life balance.

The World Health Organization in 2018 defined Ageism as the stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Although all age groups may face negative age-based perceptions, ageism towards older adults has been described as most tolerated form of social prejudice.

Technology and Ageing 2

A poll by AGE-WELL carried out July 16 to 27 with over 2,000 Canadians 50 years of age and older. The new survey also looks at the impact of COVID-19 on age-related concerns among older Canadians, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. About half of respondents aged 50+ are now more concerned about the health and about losing loved ones. Forty-six percent are significantly or somewhat more concerned about moving to a nursing home, and 43% feel that way about moving to a retirement home.

On the positive side, over two-thirds (66%) of Canadians over 50 agree that technological advancements can help to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on daily life. The majority agree that technological advances can help them maintain relationships with family and friends, reduce social isolation, pursue hobbies, manage health, maintain mental health and stay safe, independent and active as they age.

The poll also found that half of Canadians aged 50+ are willing to pay out-of-pocket for technology that helps manage health and wellness. Almost 7 in 10 are willing to pay out-of-pocket for technology that allows them to stay at home as they age.

Another key findings:

Technology Use

·        88% of Canadians aged 65+ use the Internet daily;

·        30% of those 65+ are streaming; over 4 in 10 (45%) of them report increased online streaming due to COVID-19;

·        52% of Canadians aged 50+ had a telehealth appointment in the past 3 months, and 79% of those who had one were satisfied with it. Experience with video appointments is still limited (7%);

·        Over a quarter (29%) of Canadians 65+ use social media for “health, wellness and/or independence” (of whom 42% report utilizing it more due to COVID-19);

·        Among those 65+, 68% use Facebook (up from 63% in 2019), 40% use YouTube (up from 37%), 19% are on Instagram (up from 15%), 18% use Twitter (up from 16%), and 16% use WhatsApp (up from 11%);

·        17% of Canadians 65+ use video calls on a desktop or laptop; 56% of whom report increased use due to COVID-19;

·        13% of Canadians 65+ now use exercise or activity apps or trackers; one in five (19%) of those have increased their use due to COVID-19;

·        13% of those 65+ who engage in online activities such as book clubs and games; 50% of whom have ramped up these activities due to COVID-19;

·        11% of Canadians aged 65+ use voice-assisted tech, e.g., Google Home; 18% of whom are using this tech more due to COVID-19;

·        7% of those 65+ use food delivery apps; 45% of whom have increased their use of these apps due to COVID-19.

Current Attitudes

·        48% of Canadians over the age of 50 are optimistic about aging (compared to 56% in 2019);

·        66% of Canadians, aged 50+ have felt isolated at least some of the time during COVID-19.

·        Half of the respondents feel that technology has had a positive impact on their lives during COVID-19 (45% say neither positive nor negative);

·        Technology that “manages independence” is most popular, with over half of users of techs/services such as wearable digital devices, online shopping for essential items, exercise/activity trackers and webinars/online classes reporting a positive impact on their health and wellness.  View the Infographic with this information HERE.

·        Central to all of this is ensuring that new technologies are user-friendly and practical, including for people with disabilities. Connectivity is another challenge. Despite the increasing use of technology by seniors, we need to remember that some people are still losing out and there is a digital divide between the technology haves and have-nots. We need to make sure that technologies are accessible, affordable and available to all.