A new British Society of Gerontology Special Interest Group (SIG) on Ageism has been set up – and here Heléna Herklots CBE sets out the challenges.
‘Ageism is widespread and culturally embedded in the UK’ [1] said the recent Women and Equalities Committee report on their Inquiry into the rights of older people.
Ageism – the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or ourselves based on age[2], is embedded in the fabric of our society, in our institutions, our culture and the ways in which policies and decisions are made.
I have seen the consequences of ageism – in how we are treated as we get older, how we are seen (or not seen at all), the patronising and demeaning language that is often used, the ways in which the success story of longer lives is turned on its head and blamed for so many of the problems and pressures that our society faces. The ‘burden’ of the ageing population; ‘bed blockers,’ the ‘demographic timebomb.’ It is not surprising that we internalise these views and negative attitudes towards older people. This was powerfully expressed by an older man I was talking with a few years ago. We were discussing the pressures on the NHS, and he said, ‘I feel like I’ve committed a crime by living longer.’
This must change. Ageism blights all our lives and until we successfully tackle ageism, we will not have a society where we can all age well. So, what can we do? I believe that one of the ways to make progress is to bring together researchers, policy makers, practitioners and older people to work collaboratively to improve understanding of ageism and its impacts, and to identify and promote effective interventions to combat ageism.
Working with a group of committed colleagues we have established a new British Society of Gerontology Special Interest Group (SIG) on Ageism. We’re a forum for the exchange of ideas, learning and opportunities, connecting people with a passion for working collaboratively to end ageism and we hope that you will join us.
The SIG is free to join and open to anyone with an interest in ageism. As a member of the SIG you will get regular news about research, policy development and initiatives on ageism; be able to share experiences and work, and connect with others to develop ideas; and attend and have opportunities to present at online events with older people, leading researchers, policy makers and practitioners. You’ll also play an important role in shaping our priorities and work to take forward effective interventions to combat ageism.
To become a member of the SIG email BSGAgeismSIG@britishgerontology.org
You can also follow and engage with us at @BSGAgeingSIG.bsky.social
and on Linked in
For those who join us on email: –
- In May: we email you an update on developments in research, policy, and practice including news and developments from members.
- In June – August: we will be consulting on our priorities and plans.
- In July: we will hold our first online event for our members.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Heléna Herklots CBE
Chair, Special Interest Group on Ageism
[1] House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee ‘The Rights of Older People’ Third Report of Session 2024 – 25 page 2
[2] World Health Organisation definition of ageism
