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The facts about ageism

Ageism is one of the most widespread forms of prejudice - yet it often goes unnoticed and unchallenged. From everyday language and media portrayals to workplaces and healthcare, age-based stereotypes shape how we’re seen, treated and valued as we age.

These key facts and statistics expose the reality of ageism in the UK, challenge common myths about later life, and show the real harm ageism causes us - as individuals, in our communities, and to the economy and society. By shining a light on the evidence, we can start to change the way we think about ageing - and build a society where everyone can thrive at every age.

Below are a selection of facts about ageism. For more, take a look at our Ageism Facts and Stats PDF.

  • I in 3 people think older age is characterised by frailty, vulnerability and dependency and yet just …
    • 2.5% of older people (aged 65 and over) live in care homes yet the public think it’s 25%
    • 9% of people (aged over 65) have dementia in the UK
    • 14% of people (aged over 65) in England have a diagnosis of frailty
  • People aged 50 and over are only 1/3 as likely to be back in work 3 months after redundancy compared to people under 50
  • 1 in 3 people aged over 50 believe they have been turned down for a job because of their age
  • 1 in 5 employers believe that age discrimination occurs in their organisation
  • Older adults are the most likely to volunteer, vote and provide unpaid care, alongside their contributions to the economy as workers and consumers
  • Older consumers are responsible for half of all household spending, yet businesses do not adequately serve this market in terms of products, services or advertising
  • 4 in 5 people aged over 55 say their favourite retail brand no longer understands them or their needs
  • Stereotypes, including that depression is normal in older age, lead to older people with common mental health conditions (such as anxiety and depression) being less likely to be offered talking therapies than younger people, but more likely to be on anti-depressants
  • Older people have been found to be systematically excluded from health research, despite many conditions being more common in older age
  • People with a negative idea about later life might delay seeking medical help for a health issue if they consider health issues to be a normal part of ageing
  • UK media is among the most ageist. A study of the use of language related to older age in web-based magazines and newspapers found that of 20 countries, the UK was the most ageist of all
  • Just 1 in 4 TV ads feature characters aged 50 or older and one in 20 feature characters aged 70 or older
  • The UK public feels that older people are more likely than other groups to be stereotyped in advertising

* Ageism is the most widespread form of discrimination: anyone can experience it. However, the probability of being discriminated against is higher for people with other particular protected characteristics including ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation

For more facts and stats about ageism, download our handy PDF.

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Find out more about how the Age Without Limits campaign has been challenging ageism in England in our impact reports.

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Research about ageism

Explore research and resources created to look at different aspects of ageism and its impact on individuals and society.

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