If there is anything that really makes my blood boil, stories of elders being mistreated does just that. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect – the anecdotes I’ve heard (and the millions of cases that probably remain unreported and unresolved) are deeply disturbing to me. Even talking down to elders (and studies have shown that even those with cognitive impairments are highly averse to “elderspeak”), in my opinion, is completely unacceptable.

Besides these extreme cases, there are a number of perhaps subtle ways that seniors get dismissed by an age-biased society like ours. In fact, Steve Gurney of the ProAging network recently posted a UPI report out of Washington indicating that complaints of age bias have been on the rise, due to the tough economy and our ever-increasing reliance on technology. In Michigan, the Department of Civil Rights received 1,245 complaints of age discrimination, representing a 77% increase over the number received in 2008 (a mere though inexcusable 703). The federally-backed Equal Employment Opportunity Commission saw a 36% increase from 2005 to 2008.

The bottom line?  It’s all about getting the job done quickly, efficiently, and at the lowest cost, says attorney Steve Fishman. Fishman represents companies in age-discrimination cases. Essentially, your years of experience and loyalty to the company just don’t count if it costs the company too much.

I’m sure there are companies out there who still value their savvy senior employees, and wherever you are, I applaud you. But we all know that the market has wreaked havoc on small businesses, large businesses, 401Ks, retirement plans, health care benefits and, unfortunately, the career paths of those expensive FTEs who have given years of blood, sweat and tears to the company.

Desperate times call for desperate measures – some may say in defense – but I believe that today’s business leaders must consider those who have built the companies they represent. Perhaps you need to make difficult decisions given the state of the economy, but consider all the options. Explore ways of keeping that valuable employee engaged, rather than simply striking them out on account of their age (see post on the 100-year-old still practicing physician for evidence that there is no ideal retirement age). A 60th birthday does not equal an expiration date.

Seniors are far too often taken for granted, in the workplace, in our families, in our communities, in our places of worship, in nursing homes and senior living communities – and if you ask me, it’s absolutely a crime! With all that they have to offer in the way of life experience, their stories must be heard, their contributions to society must be celebrated, their value must be affirmed, their courage and fortitude in what were far more difficult times than many of us have known. We cannot afford to neglect this priceless population — not now, not ever.

SFL followers, how do you honor the seniors in your life? Don’t miss out!

-Michelle Seitzer