Understanding ageism in Australia

Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination towards people based on their age. Although ageism remains widely tolerated, it is a key barrier to the healthy ageing of individuals and societies. This project will examine the first large scale prevalence data to be collected concerning with the experience of both positive and negative forms of ageism reported by older Australians. Using intensive longitudinal methods, experiences of everyday ageism will also be examined, including links of exposure to ageism with health and wellbeing. Results of the project will have implications for policy concerned with tackling ageism and will inform development of interventions and education programs to reduce ageism in the community.