Ask Onix
Combating ageism could improve health and longevity
A growing body of research suggests that adopting a positive outlook on ageing may help individuals feel younger and even extend their lifespan. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights ageism-not just as a social bias but as a public health concern-with evidence showing its harmful effects on mental and physical well-being.
The prevalence of age-based discrimination
Ageism affects people across all age groups, though older adults bear the brunt of its impact. In the UK, one in three individuals reports experiencing age-related prejudice, while a U.S. study found that 93% of adults aged 50 to 80 encounter everyday ageism, often in the form of internalized stereotypes or exposure to ageist messaging.
Parminder Raina, scientific director at Canada's McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, notes that ageism is uniquely personal. "The person perpetuating ageism today will eventually face it themselves," he says. With global populations ageing-one in six people will be over 60 by 2030-addressing this bias is increasingly urgent.
How ageism shapes self-perception and health
Negative attitudes toward ageing often take root early in life, influenced by family, media, or societal biases. Children as young as three can absorb ageist stereotypes, according to research, underscoring the need for early education about the ageing process.
Language plays a critical role. Terms like "grey tsunami," used to describe demographic shifts, frame ageing as a crisis rather than an achievement. Such rhetoric can lead older adults to internalize harmful stereotypes, limiting their confidence and willingness to pursue new opportunities-a phenomenon known as stereotype embodiment theory.
"Ageing is not a destructive force. It's a remarkable achievement of modern public health."
Parminder Raina, McMaster Institute for Research on Aging
Stereotype threat further compounds these effects. When older adults are reminded of their age before performing tasks, anxiety often impairs their performance, reinforcing negative self-perceptions.
The health consequences of ageism
Ageism doesn't just affect mindset-it has measurable health impacts. Studies link self-stereotyping to reduced physical performance, cognitive decline, and increased risks of depression and anxiety. Social isolation, driven by exclusion or internalized biases, exacerbates these issues, making older adults more vulnerable to loneliness.
Yet, research also offers hope. Becca Levy, a professor at Yale School of Public Health, found that individuals with positive age beliefs lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those with negative perceptions. Her work further revealed that such individuals exhibited lower levels of Alzheimer's-related biomarkers and less hippocampal shrinkage, a key brain region for memory.
Challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity
Ageism is deeply embedded in cultural norms, from workplace biases to fashion industry standards. Jacynth Bassett, founder of the UK-based initiative Ageism is Never in Style, advocates for intergenerational inclusivity. Her viral 2023 campaign, I Look My Age, called out brands for treating older adults as a monolithic group, urging diverse representation beyond tokenistic "grey-haired" models.
"This movement must embrace all ages and voices," Bassett says. Social media has also become a tool for change, with older influencers challenging beauty and fashion industry stereotypes.
Globally, some cultures offer models of respect for elders. In Japan, Keirō no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) celebrates older adults, while Confucian values in parts of Asia emphasize filial piety. Native American communities often regard elders as "living libraries," preserving traditions through oral storytelling.
Strategies to combat ageism
Experts recommend both individual and systemic approaches to dismantle ageist attitudes. Levy's ABC Method provides a framework for strengthening positive age beliefs:
- A (Awareness): Track age-related biases encountered in daily life over a week.
- B (Blame): Distinguish between problems caused by ageing and those rooted in ageism.
- C (Challenge): Question stereotypes-for example, the assumption that cognitive decline is inevitable. Studies show that learning new skills, like digital photography, can enhance memory in older adults.
Intergenerational connections also play a key role. Research links such interactions to reduced ageism, while "blue zones"-regions with high centenarian populations-highlight the benefits of multigenerational living and strong social networks.
"It takes a village to support an older person, just as it does to raise a child."
Parminder Raina
A call to action
Ageism is one of the few prejudices that will likely affect most people at some point. As Raina notes, "We've been given the gift of living longer-let's not squander it by worrying about ageing." By fostering positive perceptions and challenging stereotypes, society can unlock the potential for healthier, more fulfilling lives across generations.
