Alastair WallaceCEO. Lead Consultant. Trainer. Coach, Brainfood Ltd · Leadership & Management Training for Busy Managers. Helping senior leaders stop handholding | Brain-friendly, diary-friendly | Save 5+ hours a week | 23,500 managers trained | 200% ROI guaranteed. TED

Age related comments

16 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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0:50

In this short video Alastair Wallace addresses the common workplace remark “People your age don’t understand this.” He explains that age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, and that responding defensively can reinforce the speaker’s bias. Wallace proposes a two‑step response that first calls out the inappropriate phrasing (“That’s not an acceptable way to challenge an idea”) and then invites a constructive discussion by asking the speaker to specify what they think is missing. He also offers a free “Say This First” guide for additional scripted responses to awkward manager moments.

Chapters

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.