Episode Description
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From being seen as experienced and capable… to suddenly being “too old,” “overqualified,” or “out of touch”—ageism is one of the most overlooked and accepted forms of discrimination in modern society.
In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of ageism in the workplace, in culture, and in how we see ourselves. Why does growing older—something every single one of us will experience—so often come with bias, assumptions, and exclusion?
This conversation challenges the idea that youth equals value, and asks a deeper question: what are we losing when we dismiss experience, wisdom, and lived perspective?
Joining me are:
🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Psychologist and former professor
🔹 Simon J. Littlewood – Journalist, business advisor, and author
🔹 Samir Kothari – Investment fund manager
And myself, Ella Sherman. Together, we explore ageism from psychological, cultural, and economic perspectives—unpacking where it comes from, how it shows up in real life, and what needs to shift.
Drawing from personal experiences, workplace realities, and broader societal trends, this episode looks at the tension between youth-driven culture and the undeniable value of experience.
🧠 In this episode, we discuss:
* why ageism is often ignored compared to other forms of discrimination
* how fear of aging shapes attitudes toward older people
* the role of media and tech culture in reinforcing youth bias
* why older workers are often seen as less adaptable or less valuable
* the reality of being “too senior” or filtered out in hiring processes
* how experience and “crystallised intelligence” differ from youthful adaptability
* whether retirement culture has unintentionally fuelled ageism
* how social media distorts perceptions of success and relevance
* the economic and structural factors behind workplace age bias
* the importance of intergenerational collaboration and “reverse mentoring”
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Ageism is deeply embedded in culture—but rarely challenged
* Fear of aging plays a major role in how society treats older people
* Experience, wisdom, and long-term thinking are often undervalued
* Many industries still rely heavily on older leadership—despite youth-focused narratives
* Workplace systems and hiring processes can unintentionally reinforce bias
* Staying mentally, socially, and physically engaged can shape how we experience aging
* Connection across generations benefits both younger and older people
* Aging is not decline—it is a different kind of strength
💬 Final thought
Getting older should not mean becoming invisible.
This episode is a reminder that age is not a limitation—it’s context, experience, and perspective. And in a world obsessed with what’s new, we may be overlooking the very people who understand it best.