“Ageing and Social Change” is a doctoral course organised by Linköping University. Most of the course is conducted digitally, but on the 28th and 29th of October, all participants met for workshops and lectures in Norrköping.
One of the subjects addressed was age discrimination, particularly issues related to the digitalised society and what it can mean for older people.
On the second day, Ittay Mannheim, researcher in aging and technology, led a workshop and efore the coffee break, he asked the participants to share their thoughts:
“It is great to meet on the course, we come from different parts of the country, which gives a broad perspective, new angles, and fosters innovative thinking. Discussing together helps us find new ways to think about time and resource constraints. We become aware of the challenges other participants face in the field and discuss solutions…”Everyone’s opinions is important at the workshop
“We have discussed digitalisation, various stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination towards the older population, known as ageism. We have also talked how these stereotypes can influence design and policy in new technology and digitalisation. I hope that my knowledge can inspire the participants to find new ideas in their research because we need to find ways to implement technology in society that meets the needs and goals of older persons”, says Ittay Mannheim.
He likes workshops as a method in teaching because everyone’s opinions become important, and gets a roll in the discussion, not just the lecturers. He mostly works in Europe and Israel, and his perception is that the issues in aging research have many similarities regardless of where you are.
He expresses that it is about understanding a person, regardless of age and background, and that older people should be seen as individuals; they cannot be grouped together as a homogeneous group. In fact, that they are the most heterogeneous group you can imagine in society. They have different life experiences and therefore age in different ways. Grouping everyone over 60 together can lead to discriminatory behaviour, but this form of discrimination isn’t as well-known as discrimination based on religion, race, gender, or sexuality. Age discrimination is an issue that needs more attention in society and legislation.
An example of ageism
How shall we meet the stubborn older people that refuse to follow the digital development and accept that we live in a digital world?
“I want to rephrase that question: “What do you do with a stubborn person...” I guess you also have friends around 30 or 40 that are hesitating or refuse to pay with credit cards or use the digital id? There are people with those thoughts in every age, and maybe we just have to accept that? A solution can be to try to understand what this person needs and wants in their life, and what is the way to get there? The first step shall always be to understand what the person needs and wants. Try to use their motivation instead of focusing on the problem.”