Ageism

Ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards others or oneself based on age. Ageism affects people of all ages.

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.

Ageism can change how we view ourselves, can pit one generation against another, can devalue or limit our ability to benefit from what younger and older populations can contribute and can reduce opportunities for health, longevity and well-being while also having far-reaching economic consequences.

Global report on ageism. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021.

UCOA Policy Position:

UCOA’s vision is to eliminate ageism through community education and awareness, by exposing ageist terms and attitudes, supporting intergenerational interactions, and partnering with media organizations to stop perpetuating older adult stereotypes found in the film and advertisement industries.