Alastair Wallace explains how to respond when someone says you don't understand something because of your age. Age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. Instead of getting defensive, he suggests a three-step response: call out the inappropriate wording, invite disagreement on the actual issue, and ask what specific information you're missing.
People your age don't understand this. Ever heard that? Annoying, isn't it? Age-based comments can wind people up fast. Never mind that age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, but if you respond defensively, you prove their point in their mind. The aim is to separate a useful challenge from blatant disrespect. You can invite the business point, still shut down their personal dig. Say this: When you said people your age don't understand this, that's not an acceptable way to challenge an idea. If you disagree, just explain the reason. Then ask, what specifically do you think I'm missing? That works because it keeps the useful challenge, but removes the insult. If you want the words for more awkward manager moments like this, grab my free Say This First guide. I'll put it with this post.
