Combating ageism: A groundbreaking study examines interventions to bridge generations by Marilynn Larkin, MA

"Ageism, defined as stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination toward people on the basis of age, is a mounting international concern with important health implications," write Cornell University's Karl Pillemer, PhD, and colleagues in a seminal new study. The first-of-its-kind study aggregated interventions to reduce ageist attitudes, prejudices and stereotypes around the world. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the researchers looked at the effects of intergenerational programming on ageism. Their findings have implications for active-aging professionals who seek to overturn ways of thinking and practices that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are "insidious" and "everywhere" yet "the most socially 'normalized' of any prejudice and...not widely countered."