In discussions about racism, older generations are often at the centre of a stereotype: that they are inherently more prejudiced and less capable of change. This belief stems from assumptions that older people are “from a different time” or are set in their ways.
However, reality is more nuanced and shaped by biology, psychology, and social factors. The question remains: can seniors change their racist views, and is it worth attempting to address these prejudices?
Racism among older adults is often attributed to the cultural and societal norms of their formative years. For instance, in 1958, only 4% of Americans approved of interracial marriage, a number that didn’t reach 50% until 1997.
While societal attitudes have shifted significantly, the early experiences of older generations may have entrenched certain biases.
However, this explanation is overly simplistic. Racism is not solely a product of one’s upbringing; it is also influenced by psychological and neurological changes. As people age, certain areas of the brain, particularly those responsible for social inhibition and self-regulation, begin to shrink.
This can result in less filtered speech and behaviour, causing some seniors to express prejudices they might have kept hidden in their youth.
Additionally, as individuals grow older, they often become more aware of their mortality. This heightened awareness can trigger a psychological phenomenon known as “terror management theory,” which suggests that fear of death leads people to cling more strongly to familiar traditions and in-group identities.
For some, this may manifest as prejudice or xenophobia.
Anthropologist Casey Golomski’s book God’s Waiting Room: Racial Reckoning at Life’s End provides a compelling case study of how older adults navigate issues of race. Golomski spent seven years observing the residents and caregivers of a South African care home called Grace.
Situated in a predominantly white town near the remnants of apartheid’s segregational policies, Grace’s demographics mirrored the country’s racial inequalities: most residents were white, while the caregiving staff were predominantly black.
Despite this backdrop, Golomski observed moments of grace—acts of acceptance and understanding that transcended racial divides. One black resident, Jane, whose family had been forcibly removed during apartheid, formed a close friendship with her white roommate.
Similarly, a white male resident openly embraced a caregiver’s gender identity journey, showcasing an openness that defied stereotypes of older generations.
These examples suggest that proximity and interpersonal relationships can foster empathy and understanding, even in deeply divided societies. While the legacy of systemic racism remains a heavy burden, individual interactions can plant the seeds of change.
Research underscores the importance of exposure and dialogue in changing attitudes. Younger generations are less racist, not merely because of generational shifts in values but due to increased exposure to diversity in schools, workplaces, and media.
Older adults who engage in intergenerational and interracial interactions are more likely to challenge their biases.
In care settings, this principle is particularly relevant. Caregivers who provide daily assistance to seniors often become integral to their lives. When these caregivers come from different racial or cultural backgrounds, their presence can challenge stereotypes and encourage understanding.
However, this requires an environment of mutual respect and open communication. Without these, interactions may reinforce existing prejudices rather than dismantle them.
While exposure and socialisation are vital, it’s important to acknowledge the barriers to change. The brain’s reduced plasticity with age makes it harder to unlearn deeply ingrained beliefs. Additionally, older adults may resist change due to cognitive rigidity or fear of confronting uncomfortable truths about their past behaviours.
Psychotherapist Allison Abrams notes that insecurity plays a significant role in sustaining prejudices. For some older adults, the shifting cultural landscape – including increased discussions about systemic racism – can feel threatening. This sense of threat may lead them to double down on their existing beliefs as a form of self-preservation.
Addressing racist views in older adults is undoubtedly challenging, but it is not without merit. Beyond the moral imperative to combat racism, there are practical reasons to engage seniors in these conversations.
Older adults often serve as role models for younger generations, particularly within families. Their attitudes can influence the beliefs of their children and grandchildren, perpetuating or challenging cycles of prejudice.
Moreover, fostering understanding in later life can improve the quality of relationships between seniors and their caregivers. Golomski’s observations at Grace highlight the profound impact of grace – acceptance of another person’s differences – in creating harmonious care environments.
By addressing biases, we not only benefit society at large but also enhance the dignity and quality of life for seniors themselves.
While individual efforts are important, systemic changes are also necessary. Racism in older generations is not an isolated phenomenon; it is a symptom of broader societal inequalities. Addressing issues like economic disparity, educational access, and healthcare inequities can reduce the conditions that perpetuate prejudice.
In addition, combating ageism is crucial. Dismissing seniors as “set in their ways” is not only inaccurate but counterproductive. By believing in their capacity for change, we create opportunities for growth and transformation.
Can seniors change their racist views? The answer is a qualified yes. While age-related biological and psychological factors may pose challenges, the potential for change remains, particularly through meaningful social interactions and education.
Addressing these biases is not only worthwhile but essential for fostering intergenerational harmony and societal progress.
Ultimately, combating racism in older adults requires a blend of patience, empathy, and commitment. By creating environments that encourage dialogue and understanding, we can help dismantle prejudice, one conversation at a time.
In doing so, we honour the principle of grace – the ability to accept and learn from one another, even in life’s final chapters.
Hi,
This is a great article and so relevant in residential care where Elders can exhibit age-old views on race, religion and gender. Many times staff are questioned about their partners assuming they heterosexual, or their religious beliefs. I believe we are never too old to learn and workshops could be a way forward for those Elders who wish to learn about the changing world, acceptance, tolerance and understanding.
A while back I wrote a story that may interest readers about a gay man who came into residential care and was fearful of his co-residents reaction to his lifestyle.
https://hellocare.com.au/how-to-support-residents-hiding-their-sexuality-for-fear-of-rejection/
I have worked with older Australians for decades, both in care, community, & advisory roles, I have observed very little racism either overt or covert.
I understand many First Nations people & other people of colour are subject to racism on a daily basis in Australia, which of course is unacceptable.
Many care givers in residential facilities in Australia are from other countries, as now with our refugees other migrants ageing so will the residents be
Can young people change ageist views ? Much of the philosophy behind aged care services comes from an unconscious ageist perspective. How do we change any “ism” People in receipt of aged care services need to be included in the discussion around racism and given the opportunity to offer suggestions to combat it. Age people, despite the rhetoric that services are built around their wants and needs, have very little control over who serves them the issues that arise around racism stem from aged people not being heard when they express discomfort about who serves their needs. Try listening and understanding aged peoples perspective and showing you have heard their concerns by acting on those concerns.
I get a little tired by the overused and misused word “racism” which is used by all and sundry when they do not like something or feel that they have been slighted or feel that they are boffins of the human condition.
We all have preferences, white, black or whatever – no one escapes that. It does not mean our likes or dislikes are “racist”. And why target elderly people as a cohort who are particularly racist and require “help to dismantle prejudice”.
The elderly have lived long lives, they have seen and learnt a lot during their life’s journey. They have seen dramatic changes and most of them arrive at an attitude of “live and let live”. It is not the elderly who are defacing property with anti Jewish slogans, it is not them who are protesting in
the streets about ridiculous causes.
True “racism” is simply a product of a very ignorant mind or a sick one like Hitler and his ilk. It is a testament to a person’s character and intellect if they cannot grasp that we are all equal as human beings. Does not anyone consider that there is considerable cultural disdain against white people from many other races – it works both ways? Which brings me back to the simple truth that the catchcry “racist” serves only two purposes: a) to highlight the ignorance and vile invective of an empty mind and b) to look out for financial payouts because one’s so called perceived sensitivities have been hurt. A lot of people just need to grow up and move on to something more productive.
My observation, at the age of ninety, is that many older people unconsciously exhibit ageist behaviours through their words and actions, because they have not had the experience over their formative and mature years to feel valued, or given the opportunity to have experiential rather than theoretical learning. Many of them have been made to feel inferior during their lifetime. When the next or second generation of better educated young people, exposed to broader global experiences, concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion, interact with older people without preparation, they may be quick to judge and dismiss someone whose views have not changed to any degree for several decades. When older people are challenged by new ideas they can sometimes revert to stereotypical “old person” behavior as they may lack the confidence to proceed with an informed discussion. However people of any age who are committed to life-long learning will have more highly developed curiosity, critical thinking skills, articulate, and solution focussed. Let’s focus more on the value of ongoing self-education, whether formal study or learning more informally, for everyone; and please don’t make assumptions, but listen deeply and learn from the wisdom of both our elders and our young.
95% Australians are not (overtly) racist, but, but, even some next generation are racist, or use racist language at least, can only guess where they get that from ?!
Racist can be of any color, and the target can be any color as well, it just one of the many shortfalls of human nature !!