Mapping the contours of ageism in the Canadian public discourse and countering its impact on older adults

Presented by: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

Ageism is a unique form of discrimination in that it can be relevant to all of us as we keep moving fromone age group to another. It is also complex as it can be expressed in hostile but also subtle ways. This webinar aims at a better understanding of how ageism is conveyed in the Canadian public discourse and addresses the social and economic impact of ageism on older adults. To do so, findings of a series of empirical studies conducted over the last three years will be presented and discussed. These studies show the prevalence of compassionate ageism in the public discourse (especially during the Covid-19 pandemic) and restates the cost of ageism from a psychosocial and economic perspective.

Finally, the session will explore ways of countering ageism, namely through intergenerational contact.