The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) looks at the prevalence and impact of ageism on individuals and society in a series of policy briefs.
As the EU wants to make a transition to a ‘longevity society’, we need to change our vision of old age.
The policy examines the prevalence of ageism in various sectors of society, its wide-ranging impacts on individuals and society and the key role played by the media in either perpetuating ageist attitudes or contributing to a more positive narrative around ageing.
JRC’s researchers recommend that addressing ageism becomes a key component of policies addressing the consequences linked to an ageing population. This includes policies from health to employment that will need to consider the ageing of the EU population. For instance, more efforts are needed to actively address ageism in the workplace, and to create conditions that enable older workers to thrive.
Raising awareness of the impact of ageism and supporting programmes that foster intergenerational contact are equally important.
