An abstract image looking over the shoulder of a man with silver grey hair, who is looking at an ipad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ageism can be a complicated topic and we know people often have questions.  We hope you'll find answers across this site to some of the biggest and most frequent questions.

Take a look at some of the questions people have already asked, and do get in touch if you want to know something that we haven't answered.

We've also provided some links to other organisations who might be able to help with specific queries.

Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice and/or discrimination against people based on their age.

It affects people of all ages and can have a profoundly damaging impact on us as we get older.

There are three main types of ageism:

  1. Institutional ageism is when ageism is embedded in laws, rules, social norms, policies and the practices of institutions
  2. Interpersonal ageism which occurs in the interactions between individuals
  3. Self-directed ageism, when a person internalises ageism due to repeated exposure to ageist messages

You can read more detail on our What is Ageism? page. 

  • That older people all act or think alike, despite people in older age groups having very different experiences and being increasingly diverse in terms of ethnicity, sexuality, health and wealth, interests and lifestyles. We also often talk about older people like they are a separate group in society, rather than ageing being a process that’s happening to us all, all of the time.
  • That ageing is predominantly about frailty, decline and dependency, an association that is commonly overestimated. For example, the large majority of us will not get dementia or live in care homes. Just 1 in 10 people aged 65 are defined as frail.
  • That we can't learn new things or become stuck in our ways as we get older, when evidence shows that the presence of over 50s improves workforces, making them more innovative and productive.
  • That we don't contribute to and are a drain on society in later life, when research shows older adults are the most likely to volunteer, vote and provide unpaid care, alongside their contributions to the economy as workers and consumers.

From the interactions we have with our friends and family or people we meet in everyday life, to the headlines we read in our newspapers and our experiences at work, ageism is widespread. Examples of how and where people experience ageism include:

  • In social situations or online, where negative comments about ageing and older people are normalised or dismissed as harmless banter.
  • In comments we make about ourselves: ‘I’m too old for that’, ‘I’m having a senior moment’, ‘Not at my age’.
  • In comments we make about others: ‘Can you really do that at your age?’, ‘You look good... for your age’?, ‘Should you be wearing that at your age?’
  • People being spoken down to and patronised, for example, in the doctors’ surgery or in shops.
  • People applying for jobs but being turned down because of their age, even if not explicitly told this is the reason. Another example in the workplace is older workers not receiving the same opportunities for development and training. 
  • Receiving different medical treatment – for example, receiving medication rather than counselling for a mental health problem. People can also assume they deserve less treatment because of their age - for example, you experience pain in your knee but don’t go to the doctor because you think it’s what you should expect at your age.
  • In the mass media, where older people are not heavily featured in films or adverts, and when they are featured they are reduced to damaging stereotypes.
  • Impact on mental health - Repeated negative portrayals of older people, or the absence of positive portrayals, can lead to poor body image or increased pessimism and anxiety about getting older.
  • Impact on physical health - In some cases, older people receive different medical treatment because of their age or don’t seek help for medical problems because they assume they are a normal part of ageing. Ageism can also lead to people limiting the activities that promote better health such as physical activity (due to negative ideas about appearance, suitability or physical capability). During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw attempts to limit the lifesaving resources available to older people, with ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ decisions being made without consultation with individuals or their families.
  • Impact on what we do and how we feel: Experiencing ageism leaves people feeling patronised, unimportant, and with low self-confidence. Ageism means people change their behaviour, question their worth and limit their own experiences and opportunities as they age.
  • Impact on finances - Ageism in the workplace means older people not being able to work for as long as they want to. This can lead to people being locked out of employment and potentially facing financial insecurity and poverty in later life.
  • Impact on the economy and wider society - Ageism has a detrimental impact on the workforce -460,000 people aged 50-64 are currently out of work but would like to be in work and ageism is one of the key barriers older workers face. Shutting older people out of the workforce has repercussions for the economy through the effect on income tax and national insurance receipts as well as the welfare bill. It also exacerbates the current skills and labour shortages faced by many industries. Ageism by omission leads to a failure to design and build age-friendly homes and communities (including transport, accessible streets and public spaces and facilities such as toilets) despite the increasing need from an ageing population.

Ageism is so normalised that we often don’t see it for what it is. Together, we can change that. We can:

  • Notice it: Ageism is all around us, but we are so used to it that it often goes unseen. The first step we can all take is to notice it - in the comments that make a judgement about our age, in the ‘anti-ageing’ products sold to us, and in the media that surrounds us.
  • Challenge it: Whether we are seeing friends, chatting to colleagues at work or meeting people out and about in our communities, having a conversation about ageism is a powerful first step to challenging negative stereotypes about ageing and older people. You can also formally complain about ageism when you come across it in the media and advertising (details at the bottom of this page).
  • Change it: Ageism isn’t harmless. It means we don't get the healthcare we need, find it harder to get work, and in the end these experiences mean we start to limit our own ambitions. But we can all help to create a future free from ageism by taking action.

Learn more about the ways you can challenge ageism in your everyday life, community and workplace.

In spite of the Equality Act 2010 providing protection against unfair treatment to employees because of age, ageism remains one of the most common forms of discrimination. 

And legislation can only go so far.  We each need to actively challenge organisations and individuals who hold ageist views or who discriminate based on age.

Organisations that can help

Age UK 

Independent Age 

  • Independent Age believe that no older person should face financial hardship
  • Their award-winning information and advice services offer free impartial expert advice on money and benefits, housing, and care
  • For more information or to order a free guide, call one of their friendly advisers free on 0800 319 6789 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm)
  • To download a free guide or factsheet, visit www.independentage.org 

The Silver Line 

  • Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
  • Phone:  0800 4 70 80 90 
  • The Silver Line Helpline, run by Age UK, is a free, confidential telephone service for older people.  Providing friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Mind 

  • Mental healthy charity offering information and signposting to people with mental health conditions and their loved ones 
  • Website: www.mind.org.uk
  • Helpline number: 0300 123 3393 

Acas

  • Acas offers free advice and guidance on matters relating to workplace discrimination Independent public body giving impartial advice to employers and employees via their website and helpline alongside help to resolve workplace disputes
  • Website: https://www.acas.org.uk/advice 
  • Helpline: 0300 123 1100

 Equality Advisory and Support Service

  • Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) can advise you on what steps to take and on the time limits you have to act within for pursuing a discrimination claim
  • Website: https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/ 

 Rest Less 

  • An independent website showcasing information, advice and services for people age 50 and above, covering a diverse range of issues including employment and careers, finances and health
  • Website: https://restless.co.uk 

 Careers can Change 

  • A campaign bringing together a variety of services and organisations that support people to change careers in mid-life and beyond
  • Website: https://careerscanchange.co.uk 

Citizen's Advice

Advertising regulator 

Press regulator 

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service

  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) provide support and information to patients, their families and carers if they have any concerns about the care they receive from any health care service. PALS can give you information about the NHS complaints procedure, including how to get independent help if you want to make a complaint.
  • You can find your nearest PALS office on the NHS website.  
  • You can also ask your GP surgery, hospital or phone NHS 111 for details of your nearest PALS.