Ageism, ageism, or ageism? According to researcher Mirian Goldenberg, an anthropologist and professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), these three terms are correct and can be used to define prejudice and violence against people because of their age. Young people can also become victims, she said. For example, during job screening, young candidates may be excluded due to lack of experience. But this Sunday, in an essay in Enem 2025 about the aging of Brazil’s population, the expression should be used as a prejudice against the elderly.
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Despite the three options, Goldenberg adopts a fourth sect in his work.
— The most common is age discrimination. Ageism began to be used because it is considered more obvious and equally correct. Ageism is a foreign word, derived from “age” (age in English), but it’s also true, he says. — I prefer Velhophobia. This is a straightforward statement of what it came from. This is very important in Brazil, which is an extremely Velhophobic country.
On the first day of Enem 2025’s application, in addition to 90 objective questions, an essay on the theme “Perspectives on Aging in Brazilian Society” was proposed. According to the researchers, “It is great that the tests carried out by students, mainly teenagers, suggested themes related to aging.”
—This shows that the problems facing older Brazilians are becoming more apparent than ever before, he continues. Goldenberg also said the theme reflects the aging process of Brazil’s increasingly aging population.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), by 2070, 37.8% of Brazil’s population will be over 60 years old. The institute also verified that in 2023, the number of elderly people in the country will exceed the number of young people aged 15 to 24 for the first time in history.
–For a long time, Brazil has been said to be a country of young people. No more, Goldenberg says.
The scholar also said the topic could help raise awareness among young people who unknowingly commit acts of prejudice against older people.
— Fifty-one percent of incidents of violence against the elderly occur within the home, perpetrated by family members such as children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law, he said. — Discussing this topic helps young people understand what they are doing.
*Intern under the supervision of Daniela D’Agliano
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