Scoping Review on Ageism against Younger Populations

Abstract

Systematic efforts have been carried out to study ageism against older populations. Less is known about ageism against younger populations, including how it is defined, how it manifests, its effects, and how it can be addressed. A scoping review was conducted aimed at identifying available evidence on these topics. A comprehensive search strategy was used across thirteen databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Records were screened by two independent reviewers. Data extraction was done by one rater and independently reviewed by a second rater. Of the 9270 records identified, 263 were eligible for inclusion. Most of the evidence focused on the manifestation of ageism (86%), followed by a focus on the determinants of ageism (17%), available interventions to address ageism (9%), and the effects of ageism (5%). This study points to the inconsistent terminology used to describe ageism against younger populations and the relatively limited theoretical rationale that guides existing studies. It also highlights key research gaps and points to the strengths of existing research.

The Relationship Between Perceived Age Discrimination in the Healthcare System and Health: An Examination of a Multi-Path Model in a National Sample of Israelis Over the Age of 50

“…As the consequences of perceived age discrimination appear harsher for older people compared with younger ones, it is not surprising that the focus to date has been mainly on older people. We show that despite the move toward viewing the concept of ageism as affecting all age groups (de la Fuente-Núñez et al, 2021) and despite the fact that younger people are more likely to report exposure to ageism (Ayalon, 2014), it is older people who are most affected. Hence, our attention as researchers and policy stakeholders should be directed to the negative effects of age discrimination on older people.…”

“…The majority of past research has focused on ageism toward older people (Ayalon & Tesch-Römer, 2018). Nonetheless, more recently, there has been increasing interest in ageism toward younger people (de la Fuente-Núñez et al, 2021). As the consequences of perceived age discrimination appear harsher for older people compared with younger ones, it is not surprising that the focus to date has been mainly on older people.…”

“…Although the moderating effect of age on the association between perceived age discrimination and health has not received much attention, it is possible that the association might be particularly detrimental for older adults. This is based on the vast amount of research on the negative consequences of ageism, including perceived age discrimination’s negative impact on older people’s health compared with the more limited research on the effects of perceived age discrimination on younger people’s health (Chang et al, 2020; de La Fuente-Núñez et al, 2021).

Figure 1.Illustration of the study model.

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We can do better: Addressing ageism against older adults in healthcare

“…8 The pandemic has highlighted the urgency and gravity of addressing age discrimination in healthcare. Although ageism can affect any age group, 9 this article will focus on medical ageism towards older adults, how it impacts the provision of ethical and equitable healthcare, and consider strategies that leaders in medicine can apply to address age discrimination in healthcare.…”

Generational Bias: Another Form of Ageism

“…In comparison, reverse ageism, youngism, and adultism are terms frequently used to represent prejudice and discrimination directed toward younger people (Francioli & North, 2021). This age-segmented categorization of ageism can obscure our understanding of ageism as an all-encompassing, omnidirectional, life course phenomenon, which makes it an issue of universal importance (de la Fuente-Núñez et al, 2021).…”