Enabling age at work: How ageism and ableism overlap in the workplace

New research, by researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
(VU Amsterdam) and the University of Kent, highlights the overlap
between ageism and ableism, along with how older people
themselves internalise ageist and ableist attitudes. This can have
a significant impact in workplaces, creating additional barriers to
achieving broader policy ambitions to foster equality and encourage
longer working lives.
The research project included a webinar held during January 2021,
which highlighted two key topics:
• Employers and older workers too often see training and
professional development as more relevant for younger people,
which leads to missed opportunities for enhancing skills and
sharing experience
• As the risk of developing an impairment increases with age,
occupational health support is key
To remain competitive when dealing with an ageing workforce,
organisations must act to create inclusive work environments.
They should educate managers and staff about the social model of
disability, including what this means for their workplace, rather than
use the individual/medical model.
Where a worker develops health issues, occupational health
services should act as an advocate for the worker, ensuring that the
job is made to fit the person. These efforts should focus on ongoing
support to enable the worker to stay in work rather than just get
back to work.