to think older age is no excuse for sexism, racism and misogyny?

You're right to call out their dodgy views and things they say.
And no, age is NOT an excuse. Full stop. And it's not true that everyone used to have these attitudes. Nobody in my environment when I was growing up (I'm 60+) held these attitudes. We lived in an area largely populated by immigrants from various parts of the world (incl my parents) and any -isms were always called out. Women in my family have always worked full time, including in my grandparents generation. I'll say it again - age is not an excuse.

You’re not being ageist and you’re not wrong. My elderly family members wouldn’t dream of saying anything like that. It isn’t age related it’s morals and ethics

We are allowed to make negative comments about anyone, regardless of their race or colour. This very subject has been at the front of the news agenda over the last few weeks.

yes. But if you make negative comments BECAUSE of their race or colour you are being racist.

I don’t think people get more right wing as they get older, I think they no longer give a fuck about what people think of their opinion.

I agree there's no excuse. My psrents, aunts and uncles are in their 70s. They don't behave like that.

The OP is not saying that all old people are racist misogynists

We are allowed to make negative comments about anyone, regardless of their race or colour. This very subject has been at the front of the news agenda over the last few weeks.

OP I hope you don’t have any unfashionable opinions when you get older.

No, not racism, never.

But having opinions about how social norms have changed seems to be classed in with racism by the OP. She could have a conversation with these people about their views and why they hold them.

if I were to wonder if all people your age are as dim as you...

Pot. Kettle.

If I were to wonder if all people your age are as dim as you.....

No the equivalent would be if you were to wonder that being young is not an excuse for being ageist.

It is amazing how many people are unable to comprehend what the OP is actually saying.

And generalising from anecdote.

If I were to wonder if all people your age are as dim as you.....

The difference is that some people excuse those members of the older generation who exhibit prejudice. I am surprised that so many here can’t see the point being made and are jumping to cries of ageism.

I agree.

But I also think that being of a younger age is no excuse. And sadly I see lot of that. "They're taking our jobs" etc. And most awful misogenystic stuff I see comes from young people.

At least the older folks have got life experience to draw on to justify their attitudes, because they have a comparator.

You think racism in older people is justified because .... ?????

Are you the cousin of the OP?

I agree there is no excuse for racism or misogyny..however having views on how society raises children that differ from yours doesn't necessarily mean they are misogynist. Saying women are too stupid / emotional to hold down a responsible job is misogynist IMO. Saying you believe children would benefit more from having a mother at home is a valid view, although one most women these days don't agree with.

As people age they lose their filters so say what they actually think rather than either keeping quiet or making their thoughts more palatable to others. I've seen it with multiple elder relatives (both blood and in laws) and it is a common trait as they have got into their late 70s and 80s. Those with cognitive decline (dementia) lose the filters sooner. My father has always been selfish, racist and misogynistic but kept it mostly in check - not any more. He'll happily tell you you're fat, a disappointment, that he doesn't like the (insert derogatory name for person of colour or from Pakistan) that runs the corner shop, doesn't want any of that 'foreign muck' (used to eat Chinese, Indian, French, Caribbean food). He's thoroughly unpleasant now. Thanks to the dementia he forgets what he's said but he's so unpleasant to be around that we keep it to a minimum!

Yes, there are racists of every age (my neighbours in their 40s and their teenage children) it's not just older people and it should be called out.

Your second paragraph - in any demograpic you could find a percentage of members who'd think the same. At least the older folks have got life experience to draw on to justify their attitudes, because they have a comparator.

You sound ageist.

Being rude would not have achieved a better result. I believe it came from a place of ignorance rather than deep-seated bigotry. I am a poc and was happy with how I handled it. She was embarrassed, apologised and didn’t say it again.

Why were you polite when she was being racist?

What did this person say about non-white doctors OP? And why didn't you leave / throw them out as soon as it was said?

I can see why age is mentioned. Because some people use age as an excuse not to correct older people, as they can’t help it, that’s how they were raised, a different era etc.

I politely told my 81y mil that corner shops should not be called ‘p*’ shops. I challenged my 76y mum who said things like mothers playing in women’s football teams is why boys get into knife crime. No regrets in either case.

How old is your cousin's daughter?

Defending racism is as bad as racism.

If you can't see that then you are very much...

Racist.