Addressing ageism: a key priority for a society of longevity

Addressing ageism – stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age - is crucial for ensuring that policies are successful in promoting the well-being and participation of older persons in society.  

The world population is living longer than ever. For more than a century, life expectancy has been increasing in most countries worldwide. In the EU, life expectancy has increased by more than two years per decade since the 1960s, reaching 81.5 years in 2023. This is a remarkable societal achievement, reflecting improvements in overall living and health conditions. 

Increased life expectancy and declining birth rates are contributing to population ageing in the EU. The EU is transitioning into a new stage of social change – a society of longevity – where a significant portion of the population is living longer and there is an increasing number of older people in the population.  

As the EU makes this transition to a longevity society, it needs a vision that can exploit the advantages of longer lives. A vision that does not see old age as a burden and that aims for the active participation and wellbeing of all age groups. This requires substantial changes to how we see ageing and the contribution of older persons to society.  

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) looks at the prevalence and impact of ageism on individuals and society in a series of science for policy briefs.