EuroAgeism advances the field by delivering an attractive multi-disciplinary, inter-sectorial, international research, training and supervision program on ageism. The most prominent aspect of the network-wide program concerns the policy-science dialogue. It is dedicated to the development of evidence-based policies in the field of ageism, as well as the dissemination of the findings to policy stakeholders and the general public to decrease ageism in everyday life, in clinical and in social practice. Policy briefs published here are the outcome of the research conducted in EuroAgeism.
Policy Brief No. 1
AGEISM & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: Policy Measures to Address Ageism as a Barrier to Adoption and Use of Digital Technology
Authors: Hanna Köttl & Ittay Mannheim
In a rapidly digitalizing society, equal opportunities to access and use digital technology are essential for social inclusion and participation. Older people are however often highly stereotyped regarding their abilities to use and learn how to use digital technology. This policy brief emphasizes the idea that ageism can be a barrier to the use and adoption of digital technology, and suggests recommendations to address this burning issue.
Key messages
- Ageism is a key barrier that affects design, adoption and use of digital technology.
- Ageism in the context of digital technology occurs on the macro (design & policy)-, meso (social and organizational environment)- and micro (individual)- level. These three levels also interact and influence each other.
- A paradigm shift is needed in our understanding of: What digital technologies older persons want and need; older individuals’ abilities to use digital technology; and how older persons are included and have a “say” in the design process of digital technology and related policies.
- In order to improve digital literacy and increase use and adoption of digital technology among older persons, policy interventions need to focus on eliminating stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age, rather than accepting ageing per se as a barrier to the use and adoption of digital technology.
Ageism and Technology Policy Brief (English)
Ageism and Technology Policy Brief (Spanish)
Policy Brief No. 2
Policy Measures to Reduce Stereotypical Representations of Older People in Long-Term Care
Authors: Wenqian Xu & Laura D. Allen
Older people are stereotypically portrayed in the media at two extremes of a spectrum, either the healthy and happy retiree, or the frail and sick older person in need of care.
This brief calls for more authentic, balanced, diverse and thoughtful portrayals of older people in the media, as well as seeking accountability of content producers as acritical way of reducing the portrayals of older people that may lead to ageism.
Key recommendations:
- include a heterogeneous long-term care ageing experience in media portrayals;
- reduce social stigmas surrounding residential long-term care;
- encourage education in ageism and construct new images of long-term care;
- provide training for media professionals working around residential long-term care;
- support providers of care to tackle the privacy issue of residents.
Ageism in the Media Policy Brief
Policy Brief No. 3
Age(ism), Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: A Practical Guide to Age-inclusive Practices and Job Interviews
Author: Federica Previtali
This policy brief addresses two issues: 1. a gap in the knowledge about age and ageism in the workplace, and 2. a gap between policies and practice in DEI and fighting ageism. First, age is considered a chronological variable to be managed, but it is often neglected as an identity matter. Second, DEI policies’ effectiveness is unclear, and professionals are left alone in translating public commitment into everyday practices. To close these gaps, tips and recommendations are listed, among others, a guide to age-inclusive job interviews and training based on the social and interactional dynamics in the workplace.
Age, ageism and diversity & inclusion in the workplace
