What Is Ageism? Myths, Examples and Your Rights

Ageism is stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination against people because of their age. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it affects people of all ages and is widespread. In a survey of 83,034 people in 57 countries (World Values Survey data from around 2010 to 2014, analysed in a 2020 paper), one in two held moderately or highly ageist attitudes towards older people. In England, Scotland and Wales, age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

At a glance

• WHO describes ageism as arising when age is used to categorise and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice.
• A 2020 systematic review cited by WHO found that in 85% of 149 studies, age determined who received certain medical procedures or treatments.
• The Centre for Ageing Better reports that 36% of 50 to 69 year olds feel at a disadvantage applying for jobs because of their age.
• The Equality Act 2010 bans age discrimination in work and in services, with listed exceptions and an objective justification test.
• There is no specific exception for health or social care, so age-based practices there need to be objectively justified if challenged.

What is ageism?

WHO’s Global report on ageism, released on 18 March 2021 by WHO and three other UN bodies, says ageism arises when age is used to categorise and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice. It can take the form of prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory acts, and institutional policies and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs. It can also be directed inward: WHO says negative self-perceptions of ageing predict worse health behaviour.

Ageism is not limited to older people. WHO notes that younger adults are often disadvantaged at work, and that younger people’s voices are often dismissed in employment, health, housing and politics. This article focuses on later life, but the legal protections below apply at any age.

Where does ageism show up?

WHO says ageism affects institutions including health and social care, the workplace, the media and the legal system. Some examples with evidence:

• Health care: WHO reports that healthcare rationing based solely on age is widespread, citing a 2020 review in which age decided who received certain procedures or treatments in 85% of 149 studies. During the pandemic, WHO said age was in some places used as the sole criterion for access to medical care and lifesaving therapies.
• Work: the Centre for Ageing Better reports that more than a third (36%) of 50 to 69 year olds feel at a disadvantage applying for jobs because of age. WHO also says access to specialised training declines significantly with age.
• Media and public life: WHO says ageism seeps into the media and the legal system, and that during the pandemic both older and younger people were stereotyped in public discourse and on social media.
• Everyday behaviour: ageist language and jokes, being talked over or spoken to as if a child, and decisions made about a person without asking them. These are illustrative examples rather than measured findings.

What are the effects?

According to WHO, among older people ageism is associated with poorer physical and mental health, increased social isolation and loneliness, greater financial insecurity, decreased quality of life and premature death. WHO estimates that 6.3 million cases of depression globally are attributable to ageism. These are estimates from the evidence available, and WHO states that data on the economic costs of ageism are limited. For related guidance on loneliness, see loneliness in older people and companionship care and loneliness.

What does the law say in the UK?

The Equality Act 2010 lists age among nine protected characteristics. GOV.UK says you are protected from discrimination at work, in education, as a consumer, when using public services, when buying or renting property and as a member or guest of a private club. The Act covers direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

The GOV.UK guidance applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate guidance. CQC rules also apply to care homes in England: Regulation 10 says people must not be discriminated against because of protected characteristics, which include age. See equality and diversity in care homes and what is the CQC.

Myths and facts about age and ageing

For more on how older people live and work, see unretirement and older workers and the average age to go into a care home.

How can you challenge ageism?

GOV.UK says that if you think you have been unfairly discriminated against, you can complain directly to the person or organisation, use someone to help sort it out through mediation, or make a claim in a court or tribunal. The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) can give help and advice.

• Record what happened. Note dates, what was said or done, who was present and any documents, such as letters or emails.
• At work, try to sort it out informally with your employer first. If that fails, contact Acas, Citizens Advice or a trade union representative. You may be able to take a claim to an employment tribunal. Time limits apply, so get advice promptly.
• In health or care, use the provider’s complaints procedure. See how to complain about a care home and what is advocacy in social care.
• Check legal aid. GOV.UK says you can check whether legal aid is available to help with costs.

Not every difference in treatment by age is unlawful, because some are covered by exceptions or can be justified. An adviser can say whether a particular situation is likely to be covered.

Frequently asked questions

What is ageism in simple terms?

Ageism means treating people unfairly or holding negative stereotypes because of their age. WHO says it arises when age is used to categorise and divide people in ways that cause harm or disadvantage. It can affect any age group.

Is ageism illegal in the UK?

Age discrimination is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 in England, Scotland and Wales, at work and in services, unless an exception applies or the treatment can be objectively justified. Ageist attitudes alone are not unlawful, but acts of discrimination, harassment and victimisation are.

Can the NHS or a care provider treat people differently by age?

Only if the practice can be objectively justified. GOV.UK guidance says there are no specific exceptions to the age discrimination ban for health or social care services.

Can my employer make me retire?

Not at a set age without a good reason. The default retirement age no longer exists. Employers can require retirement only where there is a justification, such as physical demands of the job or an age limit set by law.

Where can I get help if I am treated unfairly because of my age?

Contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service, Acas for work issues, or Citizens Advice. They can explain your options, including complaints, mediation and claims to a tribunal or court.

Where to get help next

If a relative’s treatment in care concerns you, see signs of neglect by a carer and raising a concern. To find services that respect individual needs, use find care and read person-centred care explained.

Sources

• World Health Organization: Ageism is a global challenge, UN (news release, 18 March 2021)
• GOV.UK: Equality Act 2010 guidance
• GOV.UK: Discrimination, your rights
• GOV.UK: Working after State Pension age
• Centre for Ageing Better: Tackling ageism in recruitment
• Office for National Statistics: Older people living in care homes in 2021

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 9 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.