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).

A diagram featuring three circles in a pyramid formation connected to each other by a line. The top circle has the word ‘Stereotypes’ in bold text and provides the definition as ‘Cognitive / how we think – Knowledge, beliefs, ideas’. The bottom right circle has ‘Prejudice’ in bold text and provides the definition as ‘Affective / how we feel – Attitudes, judgements’. The bottom left circle has ‘Discrimination’ in bold text and provides the definition as ‘Behavioural / how we act – Treating people differently.’

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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