Understanding Ageism and Its Impact on Job Opportunities
Ageism, a form of normalized discrimination, significantly limits job opportunities for individuals over 35 years old. Despite existing penalties, deeply ingrained prejudices and stereotypes have made this type of discrimination commonplace in the work environment.
Prevalence of Age Discrimination
According to various studies, age discrimination is the most common form of exclusion and segregation in professional settings, particularly affecting individuals over 35. In Mexico, the Michael Page study titled “Talent Trends 2025” reveals that 38% of people have experienced age discrimination during their careers. Age is identified as the primary reason for exclusion in the workplace.
Limited Job Offers and Interview Chances
More than half of job offers in the country restrict hiring to individuals under 35, as reported by AngleD, an association against age and gender labor discrimination. Younger candidates have a higher chance of being interviewed and hired compared to middle-aged and older candidates. For instance, second-call interview rates for 28-year-olds were 77% higher than those of 38-year-olds.
Perceived Susceptibility to Age Discrimination
The City of Mexico Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination (Copred) states that at least 80.2% of candidates acknowledge being more susceptible to age discrimination when seeking employment.
Forms and Consequences of Age Discrimination
Expert in generational diversity and inclusion, Cecilia Reyes Trejo, explains that ageism can manifest as telling someone they are overqualified for a position. This socially accepted form of discrimination, however, negatively impacts millions.
According to the WHO’s Global Report on Ageism, older individuals are stereotyped as incompetent, unproductive, inflexible, resistant to change, difficult to train, and unable to learn. This makes it challenging for this group to find jobs; they typically take 1.5 years longer than younger individuals.
Health and Well-being Impact
Ageism adversely affects health and well-being by categorizing and dividing people based on attributes causing harm, disadvantage, and injustice, as per the WHO.
The Michael Page study highlights that more than half of workers who have experienced workplace discrimination decrease motivation and productivity, increase stress levels and burnout, and face challenges in their professional development.
Increased Impact After 45
Although ageism affects both very young and older adults, the WHO notes that its impact becomes more visible after 45. During this stage, income decreases, training opportunities are fewer, and early retirement likelihood increases.
Ineffective Sanctions
Despite the Federal Labor Law’s sanction of up to 565,700 pesos for discriminatory acts and the Federal Criminal Code’s sanction of 1 to 3 years in prison or 150 to 300 days of community service for denying or restricting services based on age, ageism persists.
Alarmingly, more than half of one’s working life can be spent experiencing ageism. Uriel Valadez, director of Gafas Plateadas and Copred advisory board member, notes that the golden age for working in Mexico is between 30 and 45 years. This implies that individuals face this form of violence reducing job or career growth opportunities in their 20s and from age 46 onwards.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is ageism? Ageism refers to the normalization of discrimination against individuals based on their age, often affecting those over 35 in the workplace.
- Why is ageism a problem? Ageism negatively impacts job opportunities, reduces motivation and productivity, increases stress levels, and limits professional development.
- What are the consequences of ageism in Mexico? Over 38% of professionals in Mexico have experienced age discrimination, with more than half of job offers limiting hiring to those under 35. Middle-aged and older candidates face fewer interview opportunities.
- What can be done to combat ageism? Emphasize competency-based evaluations, challenge discriminatory behaviors, promote empathy and respect for all ages, and provide continuous training and development.
