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# 1 What is ageism and why does it matter?

Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people based on their age. (WHO, 2021).

Figure 1: How stereotypes, discrimination and prejudice are defined and can inform each other.

Ageism can be institutional, interpersonal or self-directed.

> Institutional ageism

> Ageism within organisations and the structures and systems that exist within them, such as workplaces or the media.

> Interpersonal ageism

> Ageism within our relationships, how we connect or relate to others.

> Self-directed ageism

> Ageism within how we direct things at ourselves, an inward reflection, sometimes referred to as internalised ageism.

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OpenLearn - Ageism and age discrmination
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