Ageism in the workplace from Singapore to Canada: A translational perspective

This perspective piece tackles transnational ageism in the workplace by focusing on the Singapore case and national context while making connections to timely observations in Canada. Following existing studies, our review finds that although cultural circumstances of Confucian filial piety (in Singapore and East Asia) lead to higher degrees of implicit rather than explicit age discrimination, ageism is equally serious, and similarly intense, across contexts. Our discussion challenges the oversimplification of cultural differences between “East” and “West” in how societies are thought to address aging and age discrimination, as well as how ageism in various settings of daily life manifests. By analyzing policies, workplace practices, and social attitudes in Singapore, then situating these in global trends such as in Canada, we reveal common anxieties faced by older adults regarding financial insecurity and access to re-employment. This transnational lens underscores the importance of delving deeper into the culturally specific ways ageism manifests while simultaneously working toward the creation of effective international strategies. Deeper shifts are needed in the hearts and minds of people for significant changes to occur. In our view, shifting global demographics and rapid workplace changes necessitate a move beyond stereotypes and toward intergenerational cooperation, especially but not just in the workplace. We emphasize the importance of addressing ageism at all levels, relationally and transnationally, interpersonally to institutionally, to promote age-inclusive societies and secure a more dignified future for aging populations. Both authors’ perspectives are anchored in lived experiences as Singapore citizens. In what follows, we weave together our academic and community-engaged practitioner expertise in Singapore’s context of workplace ageism in light of ongoing community and social gerontology trends. We offer some observations in Canada for a comparative lens by way of gesturing to future transnational research directions for population studies.