Age is one of the first things we notice about other people. Ageism arises when age is used to categorize and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice and erode solidarity across generations. Ageism takes on different forms across the life course. A teenager might, for instance, be ridiculed for starting a political movement; both older and younger people might be denied a job because of their age; or an older person might be accused of witchcraft and driven out of their home and village.
Ageism damages our health and well-being and is a major barrier to enacting effective policies and taking action on healthy ageing, as recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in the Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health and through the Decade of Healthy Ageing: 2021–2030. In response, WHO was asked to start, with partners, a global campaign to combat ageism.
The Global report on ageism was developed for the campaign by WHO, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the United Nations Population Fund. It is directed at policy-makers, practitioners, researchers, development agencies and members of the private sector and civil society. This report, after defining the nature of ageism, summarizes the best evidence about the scale, the impacts and the determinants of ageism and the most effective strategies to reduce it. It concludes with three recommendations for action, informed by the evidence, to create a world for all ages.
What is Ageism, and why is it an important issue?
Ageism is present in the way we think, feel and act towards others and ourselves according to age, whether we are conscious of it or not. It is everywhere, in our institutions, relationships and ourselves. Different cultures have different attitudes towards age and ageing, but none is free of age bias. We know today that half the world’s population is ageist towards older people and, in Europe, ageism is more prevalent against younger people than other age groups.
Ageism harms us individually and collectively, affecting our health and wellbeing and costing society billions of dollars. Fortunately, ageism can be combatted, but collective action is needed to raise awareness and address this issue.
Why have conversations about Ageism?
Dialogue is a powerful way to engage in things that matter to us. Continued, open conversations can help us acknowledge the myths and stereotypes that we have all internalized during a lifetime, recognize ageism when we encounter it and understand that ending discrimination requires collective action. Challenging assumptions and attitudes is the first step for thriving at any age and for communities to tap the potential of all its members. Conversations also encourage the kinds of personal and political transformations that are necessary to create a world for all ages.
What is the goal of this guide, and who is it for?
Conversations are like drops of water. Just as one drop of water can create countless ripples, one conversation can have countless effects on those involved and their networks. The goal of this conversation guide is to provide easy ways to multiply the number and potential of conversations. This guide is for everyone. It is designed to help you start a conversation about ageism at home, at work, in the classroom or in the policy-making space.
