The Lady Vanishes - at 45


by Alexandra Campbell

Life may begin at 40, but for women in the workplace ‘old age’ begins at 45, according to a pilot study on working women and ageism by Women In Journalism.

Seventy-one percent of the survey of 100 women described themselves as ‘very’ or ‘quite’ anxious about being able to go on working at their current level until they were 65, with women as young as 22 worried about the future. ‘In my office I see older women marginalised and ridiculed – it’s a gradual process and hasn’t yet happened to me, but I’m conscious of it, and more anxious as I age,’ said one respondent.

Sixty percent of the over-45s are victims of ageism.

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