Challenging Ageism

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Avoid patronising and ‘othering’ terms like ‘the elderly’
Avoid pitting younger and older people against each other – run intergenerational project work
In decision-making include older people as equal partners
Recognise diversity and don’t lump older people into one group – people’s experiences and identities become more, not less diverse as they get older
Embrace realistic depictions of ageing – people don’t need to ‘look good for their age’ or run marathons
Don’t mistake older age as synonymous with wealth and privilege
When considering ageism, think how it relates to other forms of discrimination
Avoid descriptions and metaphors of older age being in ‘crisis’
Don’t use graphics or pictures of older people with wrinkly hands, hunched over or looking passive
See the ageing process as a positive