5 Brilliant Anti-Ageism Commercials That Smashed Age Stereotypes

In our previous blog on anti-ageism commercials, we primarily focused on ads that combat age-related stereotypes against older people. However, the elderly aren’t the only ones who are mocked because of their age. People on the lower end of the age spectrum also bear various jibes, most of which are targeted at their lack of experience and supposed immaturity resulting from it. Therefore, it’s worth mentioning that ageism is wrong irrespective of who is at its receiving end.

So, here we are with 5 anti-ageism commercials that rewrote the ageing narrative. Let’s dive in.

1. One Scotland: See The Person, Not The Age

Imagine a child yelling at a bunch of older men for playing amongst themselves or a shopkeeper getting impatient with a 6-year old customer who’s fidgeting with her money. Doesn’t seem too appropriate, right? 

And yet the world often judges people for engaging in activities that they deem aren’t ‘appropriate’ for their ages. After all, an adult yelling at a bunch of kids for being too loud or a shopkeeper losing their patience with an elderly customer are just as wrong as the instances mentioned above. So, why the discrimination? That’s the question this advert by One Scotland seeks to address.

Let’s stop seeing people’s ages; let’s see only the people!

2. Lothian Health: Power of Experience

The young are often dismissive of the views of the older lot. They feel that their opinions are too outdated to be taken into consideration.

However, this 60-second spot by Lothian Health rightfully says that age doesn’t only mean grey hair and slowed reflexes. What it truly means is abundant experience, which often accompanies wisdom and a wider perspective of a range of things.

So, if you are a young person reading this, be very mindful of what they truly represent before you dismiss the opinions of an old person as mere ramblings of the elderly the next time.

3. AARP: What ‘Old’ Looks Like

AARP has always been at the forefront of smashing age-related stereotypes against old people. This powerful 4-minute spot is another jewel in its much-decorated set of adverts for that cause.

The ad opens with a few millennials describing who they believe are ‘old’. In doing so, they also exhibit certain behaviors and patterns that they tend to associate with the older lot. However, their perspectives undergo a dramatic shift when they come face-to-face with actual old people, who demonstrate through their actions that their views about the elderly are merely based on the stereotypes that they have been fed all their lives.

The millennials in the video, as well as the audience, have an interesting takeaway at the end of this ad– ageing isn’t about decline; it’s about growth!

4. World Health Organization: Age Doesn’t Define You

You know just how big an issue ageism is when even the WHO has to create ad campaigns to tackle it.

This 100-second WHO ad takes the viewers on a journey through experiences of ageism across the life course, showing how ageism affects everyone, everywhere. The film encourages us to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and actions towards age and ageing and aims to spark conversations and actions to eliminate ageism and create a world for all ages.

5. 3PercentMovement: Say Your Age

In advertising, age isn’t just a number. It can be a tool for discrimination. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017, 63% of workers in advertising, public relations, and related services were under 45 years of age.

However, when it comes to ageing, discrimination goes both ways. Despite previous experiences, younger individuals aren’t seen as viable leaders due to their age, which makes ad campaigns like these quite significant.

After all, what’s life if you can’t even say your age out loud and feel comfortable doing so?

Wrapping Up

And that’s a wrap of some of the best anti-ageism commercials. People get discriminated against for their age all the time, either for being too old or for being too young and inexperienced. However, ageing is natural and must be embraced by one and all without letting it affect us. Until that happens, we can expect to be treated to more such anti-ageism ads.

We’ll be back with more wonderful ad campaigns. Till then, stay tuned!