This section of ‘A Site for All Ages’ presents the manifestation of ageism from a scientific perspective. You will find ten definitions from among the overall conceptualization of ageism, models and theories about how it comes about, measurement tools to identify ageism, and a variety of articles on the subject. In addition, you will be able to read about new studies of the Impact Center for the Study of Ageism and Old Age, and a participation form if you wish to join future studies.
Research and Science
Definitions of ageism over the years
This section includes a scientific survey of most of the theories that offer explanations of ageism. One can group the current theories in the field in a variety of ways, but we have adopted a somewhat arbitrary division according to three levels: theories at the micro, the meso, and the macro levels.
Causes of ageism
Old age is not a surprise, we knew it was coming – make the most of it. So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.
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If You Ask Me | Betty White
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Studies of ageism
It is clearly beyond the capacity of ‘A Site for All Ages’ to include all the scientific studies relating to ageism that have been published in recent decades. This section of the site confines itself to studies conducted in Israel since 2020, or which have been co-authored by Israeli researchers. The articles have been collated with the assistance of the Israel Gerontological Data Center.
HalfLife
Reducing Ageism in the Second Half of Life
ESR-2024-Adv · Grant ID 101198899
ERC-FUNDED · 5-YEAR RESEARCH PROJECT | HALFLIFE · Reducing self- and other-directed ageism in the second half of life | Bar-Ilan University, Israel · Led by Prof. Liat Ayalon
ABOUT THE STUDY
Why does this research matter?
Ageism — stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination based on a person's age — is one of the most widespread yet overlooked forms of bias in modern society. Unlike other forms of discrimination, ageism is unique: if we live long enough, we will all experience it. And its consequences are serious, affecting mental and physical health, social participation, and quality of life.
A different approach: Most existing efforts to tackle ageism focus on young or middle-aged people changing how they see older adults. HalfLife recognises that older adults themselves are active agents in shaping ageist attitudes — both toward others and toward their own ageing. This insight forms the foundation of our research.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution, HalfLife is developing personalised, evidence-based interventions that reflect the diversity of older adults's experiences. We will test what works best, for whom, and why — so that effective approaches can be scaled up and adopted by practitioners and policymakers worldwide.
ERC Funded by the European Research Council · ERC-2024-AdV · Grant ID 101198899 · Led by Prof. Liat Ayalon,
Bar-Ilan University, Israel
THE RESEARCH TEAM
Meet the HalfLife team
HalfLife brings together an international team of researchers across four countries, all working toward a shared mission of reducing ageism.
Prof. Liat Ayalon
Principal Investigator · Bar-Ilan University, Israel
P R O J E C T L E A D
C Z CZECH REPUBLIC
Dr. Martin Gurín
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Veronika Kotýnková Krotká
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Michaela Honelová
Postdoctoral Fellow
D E GERMANY
Dr. Sourav Das
Postdoctoral Fellow
Valentina Ludwig
Research Fellow
I L ISRAEL
Dr. Shir Shimoni
Postdoctoral Fellow
U K UNITED KINGDOM
Dr. Rachel Crossdale
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Ohad Green
Research Fellow
ERC-2024-AdV · Grant ID 101198899 · liat.ayalon@biu.ac.il · no2ageism.com
