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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.

## Activity 1

2 minutes

Watch the following short video about ageism and older people.

Video 2 'Break free from ageism', HelpAge International

What are your initial thoughts having watched this video?

### Discussion

We hope you found that short video thought provoking - and that it helped you to think about how prevalent ideas about older age are and how easily assumptions can be made.

◄Contents►Next: 1.1 Stereotyping and prejudice

OpenLearn - Ageism and age discrmination
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