Under 18; Over 65 - Subtle Discrimination?

[DnvrFox]

One more poll posted here with categories such as:

Under 18

18 - 24

25 - 34

35 - 44

45 - 54

55 - 64

Over 65

Almost all polls use the same format. Most with even closer age ranges for those between 18 and 65, for example, every 5 years.

Which means:

A 3 year-old's answer has the same value in the poll as a 17 year-old

A 66 year-old's answer has the same value as a 80 or 85 year-old.

Yet, a 54 year-old's answer has a different value than a 55 year-olds, etc.

Now, most poll software allows one to evenly distribute ages as one desires, and avoid this issue.

I believe that using age ranges such as the above (under 18; over 65)

1. Is a form of subtle discrimination against both younger and older folks.

2. Loses potentially valuable information. It is important for society to know, for example, that a 90 yo person is regularly riding a bicycle (or participating in whatever activity). With the age ranges described, the pollster would never know this rather significant fact.

3. Implies that responses from those over 65 are not very important, nor even desired.

I think it is also interesting that folks in ages over 50 seem to think it is sort of "cute" to be called "geezer" and "old fart" and whatever by other folks, and they seem to take pride in it. Like it is some sort of "Badge of Honor."

To me, it is demeaning. It represents a societal mindset about old, bumbling, foolish folks.

Now, this is not the end of the world, and this issue is not equal to the issue of world peace or nuclear proliferation. But it still rubs me the wrong way!

How about you?

(Standing by to avoid the brickbats and miscellaneous stones and sticks)!

[bnet1]

I agree. I think the polls should be divided in such a way as to farther break down the demographics at each end of the age spectrum. If this is not done then the poll would be "lopsided" toward the middle age groups.

'bent Brian

[H23]

So, how would you partition the 65+ age group?

[DnvrFox]

So, how would you partition the 65+ age group?

I would prefer to simply have a blank entry space where each responder just entered their age - for ALL ages. Then the pollster has the option of dividing ages as they need, and NO valuable age information is lost.

I.e.,

Please enter your age: _____

[operator]

What DenvrFox said.

[stokell]

operator,
Glad to see Richmond Hill has been annexed by Toronto. Send us your tax money.

I personally find polls to be poorly written and I don't participate.

[webist]

An answer from any 3 year old participating in the poll clearly has at least as much value as my answer

[Travelinguyrt]

Don't like polls? think they discriminate?

Simple. Don't answer them

I kinda think those who do participate do so only to feel self important, that one's

opinion may be worth something, when in actuality its only important the the dude

getting paid to collect the responses.

They want my response letem pay for it if its so important. Same thing with jury duty.

Yeh sure its the backbone of the justice(?) system. Then why do the judges have the

best parking spots??