Wrestling with Ageism

(Note: This article was published on the Christian Grandfather Magazine and the Coram Deo blog.)

A few years ago, I was talking with someone at work. I casually said something during our brief conversation about being “old.” He seized the moment and gave me an unexpected word of encouragement that I will never forget. He said, “You’re not old; you’re seasoned.”

This coworker wanted me to know that he saw me (and thought that I should see myself) as a seasoned professional, not merely someone who was advanced in age. I was grateful for his courage in speaking up and for his mentorship in attempting to improve my own perception of my many decades of experience that I bring to work every day.

In this article, after defining the term, I would like to consider some of the common ideas about older workers, what the Bible says about aging, how to treat this demographic with dignity and respect, and how to think about and do as we approach retirement age ourselves.

What is ageism?

Let me begin by providing a simple definition of the term that I found on the web: 1) discrimination against persons of a certain age group; 2) a tendency to regard older persons as debilitated, unworthy of attention, or unsuitable for employment. (Source: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ageism.)

It is important to note that ageism is not merely negative actions and attitudes towards older workers by supervisors, coworkers, and employees. It is broader than that. If young workers are treated differently than older ones, for better or worse, that is ageism also.

Common perceptions

Although some might disagree, older workers are the only segment of our workforce that generally become less competent over time (in most fields) merely because they are members of this group. The concerns that employers and fellow employees have about the limitations of these older workers are valid. There are exceptions, of course, but in most cases, workers who are approaching 70 years of age will see an inevitable decline in their physical and mental capacities.

What are some of the potentially diminished abilities of those who are getting older?

• Physically – They slow down, tire easily, lose strength, coordination, and stamina, and may develop diminished eyesight and hearing

• Mentally – They become more forgetful, slower to learn, and unwilling to adapt

• Emotionally – They become cranky, weary of always having to learn new technology and new ways of doing things that they have done their whole lives

I may have missed a few things, but you get the idea. This describes 90% of your older workers.

What do the Scriptures say?

There are several Scriptures about aging that acknowledge some of what I listed above.

In Job 32:6-9,we find a brief conversation among Job’s friends that contrasts young and old. It brings out a positive mental strength that often resides in those who are seasoned. Elihu ponders, “I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’” He later concludes that since wisdom comes from God, young folks may have it also and the old may not. However, his observation about the value of wisdom gained by decades of experience is a truth to consider.

Psalm 92:14 paints a vivid picture of a godly man or woman whom God continues to bless in their final chapter of life. It reads, “They will still yield fruit in advanced age; they will be full of sap and very green.” When my wife and I were newlyweds over four decades ago, we met two grey-haired sisters in our church. As a word of encouragement that we hope was received in the spirit in which it was given, we boldly told them that they fit the description of being green and full of sap.

There is a poetic description of those who are past “the days of youth” in Eccl. 12:1-7. Solomon mentions several signs of aging which include loss of vision (v. 2), muscle spasms or tremors, stooping, and loss of teeth (v.3), gray hair and lack of energy (v. 5), among other things.

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Cor. 4:16-18, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” In context, Paul is encouraging the church in Corinth to look beyond the suffering that many of them are experiencing. However, when I read the part about our bodies “wasting away,” I cannot help but identify with the physical changes that happen with those who are getting older. The daily renewal of the inner self that takes place in those who are in Christ resembles those who are “full of sap” because they lived godly lives.

How are we to treat our older coworkers?

I often get asked, “So, how much longer are you planning to work?” I don’t really mind this question, as they are showing genuine interest in my well-being. But I do wonder what brought that to their minds? Is there a reason they are asking me this question? Do they think am I less capable than I once was? Am I looking tired and beat down by life? Am I getting too old for this?

In addition to being more sensitive to the kinds of questions we ask our seasoned workforce, let me share a few ideas on how we might want to treat older workers, which is how we would want to be treated. This obviously aligns with Jesus’s teaching. (See Matt. 7:12 and Mark 12:30-31).

• When hiring or promoting, do not give preference to the young or ignore the old

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect, especially to those who have earned it

• Cut older folks some slack; look at their contributions, not just liabilities

What do seasoned workers need to think about?

From a biblical perspective, let us think through some of the things that should go through a Christian worker’s mind as he or she is heading towards the end of their careers, knowing in their hearts that it was God who equipped, called, hired, enabled, and sustained them through it all.

The first thing that comes to mind is that I want to be the one to initiate the conversation with my supervisor about my plans to start winding down. I want to assess my capabilities accurately, honestly, and humbly. If I am falling asleep in meetings or forget that I even have a meeting to attend, perhaps I am more of a burden than a joy to be around. If we are not producing what our employer needs, then we are not earning our pay. If we can no longer meet the day-to-day requirements to serve our employer “as unto the Lord,” maybe it’s time for us to go.

Here is a second thing to consider. Those of us who are more seasoned have an obligation to mentor younger workers and vice versa. We have a lot to learn from each other. Members of both of these groups of workers have value, function, and are needed, just like different parts of the body. This reminds me of Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor. 12:12-26. This biblical principle, which addressed spiritual gifts in the church, also can be applied to organizations outside the church.

Lastly, as I reflect on how God is present in every stage of our careers, I can’t help but see God’s leading. He providentially gave us experiences, aptitudes, skills, and opportunities in preparation for the work to which He leads us. He provided our first job and gave us wisdom when new ones came along. He sustained us through every challenge. In the same way, we can trust Him to guide us gently and gracefully as we approach the end of this spiritual journey.

Closing thoughts

It is no coincidence that I have posted this article now. I will celebrate my 65^th birthday this week.

I trust that this little tour around the subject of ageism touched you in some way. Whether you are an employer with some seasoned workers, an employee with an older boss, or someone like me who is praying that God would lead you as you prepare your own exit strategy, perhaps you can think about this from a more biblically informed perspective.

At the end of the day, we are called by Jesus to love our neighbors at home, in church, and at work, whether they are black or white, male or female, younger or older. Let’s do it well for His glory.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 42 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 200 articles on a variety of faith and work topics, 120 of which have been published or posted on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.