The history of discrimination or WHO IS IMPACTED BY IT AND WHY?

Discrimination based on age is relatively new phenomenon tied to demographic changes primarily in Europe and North America. Population in these regions is increasingly aging, meaning people live longer thanks to better healthcare and generally higher living standards. Furthermore, they are more vital and “strength-possessing” which secures their long-lasting work and social related activity. Moreover, in these regions less and less children and grandchildren are born who might replace older generations.

In the first half of the 20th century, the population aging concern did not yet exist. Due to hard work and often detrimental living conditions, people used to die at a much younger age. War and sickness did not allow too many people to enjoy an extended old age. Moreover, they worked until they could no longer do so. It was expected that later, family would take care of an old person (as it is still entrenched in some Asian and African cultures).

However, due to frequent population movement towards new jobs and a better life (inside and outside a country) and the decay of traditional inter-generational family, the majority of elderly people now live separately from their children and grandchildren. The nurturing and support previously provided amongst members of one family became designated duties of the state or municipality.

The individualistic philosophy of modern day Europe also causes the rapid singularization of youth. Old and young people both live independently and wish to participate in society according to their expectations and needs.

The problem with discrimination on the basis of age - especially in regard to employment - arises when people, for economic (the need to maintain a particular living standard), social (the need to interact with others), and psychological (the need to feel useful) reasons, want to work even though they are being turned down by the labor market.

The aging population is a very serious phenomenon which will influence life in our society in the upcoming decades. Most probably it will be accompanied by delayed retirement. Thus, ways to cope with this issue should be sought immediately.

Change of lifestyle, general access to quality education, and various life opportunities (i.e. travel, work and study abroad) have altered youth standing in Europe and in Slovakia. Due to the Internet and other technical advancements, young people today have almost unlimited access to information and are in a greater position to make life decisions than their parents and grandparents could have even dreamed of. However, emerging problems are little explored and new issues will continue to arise.

Discrimination based on age therefore represents a new and still revealing issue for public and professional discussion in such fields as law, social service, education, economics, etc.