HealthJuly 21, 2026
ageism
ˈeɪdʒɪzəm
Definition
Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination directed against people based on their age, specifically regarding older adults.
Etymology
The word was formed by combining 'age' with the suffix '-ism,' which denotes a doctrine, system, or practice of discrimination. It was modeled after terms like 'racism' and 'sexism' to describe systemic biases against specific demographic groups.
In the news
In this article, ageism is identified as a significant social stressor that negatively impacts the mental health and well-being of older adults. The text advocates for anti-discrimination policies and intergenerational activities as critical protections against this bias.
Mental health of older adults
Read the full article ↗World Health Organization (WHO)