Taking a closer look at ageism: self- and other-directed ageist attitudes and discrimination

Ageism is dened as stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination against (but also in favor of) people because of their chronological age. Although the practice of ageism and ageist policies can be directed towards people of any age, most research in this area, to date, has addressed the ageism phenomenon in relation to older adults. We note, also, that ageism is a complex domain that includes cognitive, behavioral and emotional manifestations. Moreover, ageism tends to reinforce social inequalities as it is more pronounced towards older women, poor people or those with dementia. A recent study based on the European Social Survey has found that ageism is the most prevalent type of discrimination, reported by almost 35% of all participants over the age of 18.