The worldwide ageism crisis

Abstract

Ageism is a worldwide crisis. The COVID‐19 pandemic exacerbated ageism toward older adults with hate speech, intergenerational resentment, and human rights violations. This article provides an overview of the interdisciplinary and international theoretical and applied research literature in three subareas: intergenerational attitudes and relations, psychological and physical effects of ageism on older adults, and reducing ageism. Cross‐cutting themes are the need to (1) consider positive (including seemingly “positive”) and negative views, treatment, and experiences of older adults, (2) expand the study of diverse populations including by age and country as well as intersectionality of ageism and other isms (e.g., ableism, classism, heterosexism, racism, sexism), (3) expand the study of the wide‐ranging manifestations of ageism at multiple levels of analysis including greater attention to human rights and new indicators of ageism, and (4) expand the circle of interdisciplinary and international collaborations within and across communities worldwide with all stakeholders and policymakers. Ageism and other isms are intertwined with and multiplied by population aging and other societal issues such as pandemics and climate crises. This article aims to further sound the alarm for the urgent need for age‐friendly societies and addressing ageism through basic research, preventive measures, and intervention efforts.

Eradicating ageism through social campaigns: An Israeli case study in the shadows of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we have witnessed a surge in hostile ageism (e.g., Albarracin & Jung, 2021; Ayalon et al., 2021; Ihara et al., 2021), alongside numerous instances of benevolent ageism, which is sometimes an insidious form of prejudice (Ng et al., 2022). The heart of the problem is that ageism leads to a decrease in mental (Bai et al., 2016), physical health (Cohn‐Schwartz et al., 2022; Ng et al., 2016), and even to early death (Levy et al., 2002). As a result, today, perhaps more than ever, there is a need to work on local and global levels to combat this serious phenomenon (Levy et al., 2022; Nelson, 2016).…”

“…The heart of the problem is that ageism leads to a decrease in mental (Bai et al, 2016), physical health (Cohn-Schwartz et al, 2022Ng et al, 2016), and even to early death (Levy et al, 2002). As a result, today, perhaps more than ever, there is a need to work on local and global levels to combat this serious phenomenon (Levy et al, 2022;Nelson, 2016).…”

“…Ageism is defined as stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward people because of their age (Ayalon & Tesch‐Römer, 2018; Officer & de la Fuente‐Núñez, 2018). This multi‐faceted crisis is prevalent worldwide, occurs across institutions and societies and impacts all aspects of life (Levy et al., 2022). While ageism can refer to any age group, the bulk of the research on ageism refers to ageism directed towards older persons (Nelson, 2016).…”

“…While ageism can refer to any age group, the bulk of the research on ageism refers to ageism directed towards older persons (Nelson, 2016). Considering the aging of the population and the detrimental impact of ageism on older adult's health and wellbeing (Ayalon & Tesch‐Römer, 2018; Bai et al., 2016; Cohn‐Schwartz et al., 2022; Levy & Macdonald, 2016; Ng et al., 2016) – it is increasingly urgent to identify ways to eliminate or reduce ageism (Levy et al., 2022; Nelson, 2016).…”

Age‐friendly Universities (AFU): Combating and inoculating against ageism in a pandemic and beyond

“…Since Robert Butler coined the term “ageism” in 1969, theory and research have revealed a great deal about the components, dynamics, and consequences of ageism—although this work has often been described as proceeding at a glacial pace for various reasons (Nelson, 2017). Moreover, research has shown that ageism can have far‐reaching health, economic, and social effects on people of all ages (Levy, et al., 2022). However, ageism may be more institutionalized and personally condoned than other types of prejudice, making it less readily noticed as a form of discrimination when it occurs.…”