Ageism: an emotional journey

Patricia Sahertian has finished production of her documentary film CUT BACK: facing ageism. It was a long process involving traveling from Phoenix to New York, Denver to the San Francisco Bay area, then to Ireland, networking with and filming people affected by ageism in the work force. When this project first started she had no idea of the number of wonderful and open people she would come in contact with, who would be willing to share their stories and make their voices heard. There has also been the connections with many organizations that are trying to make a difference, who open their doors everyday to help the older worker. This experience has been an emotional one, giving her the determination to communicate what she has learned from the interviews and connections she has made.

"I have met some amazing, resilient, intelligent people who are proud of their accomplishments. It is mind boggling to me that they are unemployed or underemployed. They have so much to offer," asserts Sahertian.

In this effort to make a difference and challenge stereotypes Sahertian says “There are so many people I want to thank, from those who have agreed to be in the documentary, to the ones who have helped behind the scenes, making contacts, telling their friends and colleagues about the web site Fight Ageism and the movie CUT BACK: facing ageism.”

Sahertian's hope is to create public awareness, not only about ageism but also about what can be done to change the way people think about age.

Hamamatsu, Japan

"... Another musical instrument factory in Hamamatsu makes harmonicas. Among the staff is Michiko Takeya, who’s 71 years old and is determined to keep working.

‘I’ve been working here for many years and I really love the sound of the harmonicas,’ says Mrs Takeya. ‘I suppose most of my colleagues belong to a different generation but we still get on very well as friends.’

Her colleague is 65-year-old Kamiya Yoshitaku says he stayed on because the company needed people with special technical skills...

It is not just people who have been working for the company for decades who are allowed to stay on.

Suzuki Harmonicas has even hired new members of staff at the age of 60 according to Managing Director Takeomi Mishimura.

‘Making musical instruments like harmonicas you need a lot of skill with your hands - computers can't do that,’ says Mr. Mishimura.

‘It’s a great advantage for us to have older people working for us because they have got so much experience and can teach and nurture the younger generation.’

The factory also offers a harmonica school for people who want to learn the instrument. Most of the students are in their sixties and seventies and go to lessons every week.

They also give concerts and invite their grandchildren to come to listen to the music.

Proof indeed that different generations can work in harmony."

Source: Japan’s old, young enough to work
by Duncan Bartlett, BBC World Service