Person breaking free from a cage of numbers.

Age-Old Problem: Are Age Categories Doing More Harm Than Good?

Elliot Brynn in Culture & Society December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpacking the social implications of age categorization and why it matters in today's society."

We live in a world obsessed with labels. From personality quizzes to astrological signs, we love to categorize ourselves and others. But what happens when these categories, particularly those based on age, start to limit us? How old is old? It's a question that seems simple, yet the answer is loaded with social, cultural, and personal baggage.

Research from the Fond. Nationale de Gérontologie, led by Bernard Ennuyer, delves into the complexities of age categorization, revealing how these divisions can lead to social segregation and the reification of individuals – essentially, turning people into objects defined solely by their age. This article unpacks these findings, exploring how age categories shape our perceptions and behaviors, and why it's time to rethink these constructs.

By understanding the implications of age categorization, we can challenge these limitations and embrace a more nuanced view of aging and identity. Let's explore how these categories came to be, how they affect us, and what we can do to move beyond them.

The Problem with 'Age': More Than Just a Number

Person breaking free from a cage of numbers.

Age, as it turns out, is a slippery concept. Chronological age, biological age, social age – all these different facets contribute to a complex web of meanings and representations. But according to Ennuyer's research, the way our society classifies and categorizes individuals based on age is often more about social control than actual understanding.

Think about it: from targeted marketing campaigns to age-restricted activities, our lives are subtly but constantly shaped by these invisible boundaries. But who decides where these boundaries lie? And what impact do they have on our sense of self and our opportunities?

Social Segregation: Age categories can create artificial divisions between groups, limiting interaction and understanding.
Reification of Individuals: Reducing individuals to their age strips them of their unique qualities and experiences.
Internalized Limitations: We internalize these age-based expectations, affecting our self-esteem, ambitions, and even our health.

The danger, Ennuyer argues, is that these classifications contribute to social segregation and what he calls the 'reification of individuals.' When we're reduced to a number, we lose sight of our individuality and our potential. It's time to fight against the limits.

Beyond Age: Reclaiming Individuality and Embracing Inclusivity

So, what can we do to break free from the confines of age categorization? The first step is awareness. By recognizing how these constructs influence our thinking and behavior, we can begin to challenge them.

Instead of asking 'How old are you?', let's ask 'What are your experiences?' Instead of making assumptions based on age, let's listen and learn from each other's stories. It's about shifting our focus from numbers to narratives, from labels to lives.

Ultimately, moving beyond age categorization is about embracing inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of human experience. It's about creating a society where everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of their age. It’s about fighting for a world where everyone is seen for who they are, not just how old they are.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

How does age categorization lead to social segregation and 'reification of individuals' according to research?

The research led by Bernard Ennuyer at the Fond. Nationale de Gérontologie reveals that age categorization leads to social segregation, limiting interactions and understanding between different age groups. Furthermore, it contributes to the reification of individuals, reducing them to mere numbers and ignoring their unique qualities and experiences.

What are the different facets of 'age,' such as chronological, biological, and social, and how do they impact our understanding of age?

Chronological age, biological age, and social age are different facets that contribute to the complex web of meanings and representations of age. Chronological age refers to the actual time a person has lived. Biological age refers to the physical condition of an individual's body as it ages. Social age refers to society's expectations of how people should act and behave at a certain age. These various elements highlight the limitations of using a single 'age' to define someone, especially since marketing and other activities tend to target groups.

In what ways do age categories contribute to the 'reification of individuals,' and what are the implications for self-perception and potential?

According to Bernard Ennuyer's research, age categories contribute to the 'reification of individuals' by reducing them to a number. This strips away their individuality and potential, leading to internalized limitations affecting self-esteem, ambitions, and even health. When individuals are perceived primarily through the lens of their age, their unique experiences and qualities are overlooked.

What steps can individuals take to challenge age categorization and embrace inclusivity?

To challenge age categorization, the initial step is to recognize how age-based constructs shape our thinking and actions. We can then consciously question age-related expectations and stereotypes in our daily interactions and decisions. Embracing inclusivity and valuing individuals for their unique qualities, skills, and experiences, rather than their age, further combats these limiting constructs. Supporting inclusive policies and practices in workplaces and communities help reduce age bias.

How does age categorization contribute to social segregation, and what are the broader implications for society?

Social segregation is exacerbated by age categorization, leading to a lack of interaction and understanding between different age groups. This division can result in stereotypes, prejudice, and unequal opportunities. Bernard Ennuyer's research highlights how this segregation limits the potential for intergenerational learning and collaboration, ultimately hindering social cohesion and understanding.