Ageism in Kazakhstan: Are We Overlooking the Impact on Youth and Seniors?
Ageism refers to discrimination and prejudice based on a person's age, affecting both younger and older individuals. Coined by Robert N. Butler in 1969, the term encompasses negative attitudes toward aging, discriminatory practices against older adults, and the oppression of younger people by older generations. Ageism manifests in various forms, including stereotypes that generalize abilities and interests based on age, a prejudice that leads to disdain or pity, and discrimination that results in harmful actions against individuals due to their age [1][2][3].
Understanding ageism is crucial because it impacts social dynamics, economic opportunities, and overall well-being across generations. For older adults, ageism can lead to social isolation, poorer health outcomes, and a reduced quality of life. Conversely, young people often face barriers in employment and decision-making roles due to assumptions about their maturity and capabilities. This dual impact highlights the importance of addressing ageism to foster intergenerational solidarity and ensure that all individuals are valued for their contributions, regardless of age [4][5].
In a rapidly aging world, recognizing and combating ageism is essential for promoting inclusivity and enhancing the quality of life for all age groups. The consequences of ageism extend beyond individual experiences; they can affect societal cohesion and economic productivity as well [3][5].
In the era of AI, I asked www.perplexity.ai to collect information about ageism, and here are the facts it listed for me from the public domain:
1. Aging Index: As of 2023, Kazakhstan's aging index reached 29.5, indicating that for every 100 children aged 0 to 15 years, there are 29.5 elderly citizens aged 65 and older. This is an increase from 28.2 in 2022 and 26.5 five years prior [9].
2. Projected Population Growth: By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and over in Kazakhstan is expected to double from approximately 1.4 million in 2019 to around 3.4 million, making up over 14% of the total population [10].
3. Regional Variations: The aging index varies significantly across regions, with the highest being in North Kazakhstan (72.9) and the lowest in Mangistau (14.3) [9].
4. Financial Difficulties: Despite improvements in socio-economic conditions, about 20% of older Kazakhs experience financial difficulties, and approximately 7% live in poverty [9].
5. Active Longevity Plan: The Kazakh government has implemented a five-year Action Plan called "Active Longevity," which includes creating Active Aging Centers to enhance the quality of life for older individuals [9][10].
6. Participation in Family Life: Two-thirds of retirees remain physically active and engaged with their families, but less than 40% of their potential for active aging is utilized [9].
7. Gender Disparity: There is a significant gender imbalance among older adults, with women aged 60 and older outnumbering men by a ratio of 1.6 to 1, increasing to 2.7 times for those at retirement age [10].
8. Increased Awareness of Violence: The perception of violence against older adults has increased from 45% in 2008 to 61% in 2020, indicating growing concerns about their safety [10].
9. Demographic Transition Stage: Kazakhstan is currently in the early stages of demographic transition, with an increasing proportion of elderly individuals affecting socio-economic development plans [11].
These facts highlight the growing challenges related to ageism and the need for solutions that address the needs of both older and younger populations in Kazakhstan
1. How much do you trust the data provided by AI about ageism in Kazakhstan? Have you encountered similar statistics in your own experiences?
2. In your everyday life, do you notice age-related biases affecting the way people interact with older or younger individuals? Can you share specific instances?
3. At work, have you ever felt that your age—whether young or old—has influenced your opportunities for advancement or acceptance? What evidence do you see around you?
4. Do you believe that the statistics on ageism reflect the reality of your community? How do your observations align or conflict with these findings?
5. Have you experienced or witnessed ageism in action, either personally or in your workplace? What impact did it have on those involved?
6. As we navigate an increasingly diverse workforce, how do you think ageism shapes our professional relationships and team dynamics?
7. What steps do you think individuals and organizations can take to combat ageism based on your own experiences and observations?
8. In a society that values youth and experience differently, how do you reconcile the findings on ageism with your personal beliefs about aging and capability?
Discuss on Linkedin
If you're interested in discussing issues of ageism and exploring how they manifest around the world, we invite you to join the Ageism group on LinkedIn. This platform offers a space for individuals to share experiences, insights, and resources related to ageism across different contexts. Connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to the conversation about this important topic.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ageism
[2] https://www.edi.nih.gov/blog/opinion/what-ageism
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/ageism
[4] https://study.com/academy/lesson/ageism-stereotyping-the-elderly-definition-examples.html
[5] https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ageism
[7] https://www.who.int/health-topics/ageism
[8] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/ageism
[9] https://en.inform.kz/news/aging-rate-in-kazakhstan-continues-to-rise-f28e62/
[10] https://kazakhstan.unfpa.org/en/news/kazakhstans-population-ageing-almost-double-30-years%E2%80%99-time
[11] https://kazakhstan.unfpa.org/en/news/kazakhstan-relatively-early-stage-demographic-transition-population-ageing
[12] https://www.statista.com/statistics/436104/age-structure-in-kazakhstan/
[13] https://www.indexmundi.com/kazakhstan/age_structure.html
[14] https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/kazakhstan-demographics/
[15] https://www.statista.com/statistics/436097/average-age-of-the-population-in-kazakhstan/
[16] https://www.population-trends-asiapacific.org/data/KAZ
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