Summary: I have been surprised to hear ageism being referred to by a growing number of my colleagues and their children. Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age – at any age. And like other forms of bias, ageism is not based in biology but is socially constructed. It starts in childhood. We pick up cues that then guide our feelings and behaviour towards people of different ages and towards ourselves. According to the Global Report on Ageism, “Ageism affects us throughout life and exists in our institutions, our relationships and ourselves”. The report suggests that implementing educational and intergenerational contact interventions can help. As can becoming more aware – how might you be unintentionally contributing to the problem? Interested in learning more? Hope you will join me!
