Hosting a discussion about ageism

• What is the purpose of the discussion? Ideas include raising awareness, sharing experiences, challenging stereotypes and identifying actions.
• Who is the discussion for? Consider mixed ages, a specific age group, colleagues, neighbours, family, friends and community.
• What level of knowledge or experience might participants have? Are they new to the topic or already engaged?
• How long do you have?
• What feels appropriate for this group? Think about different formats including an informal chats, workshops and story-sharing.
• What do you want people to leave with? Will they leave with new insight, empathy, ideas to take action…or something else?

Tip: It’s okay if the goal is starting a conversation, not 'solving' ageism.

• Informal discussion: A guided conversation with a few prompts
• Story-sharing: People sharing personal experiences of ageism
• Workshop-style session: Short input followed by small group discussions
• Intergenerational dialogue: Mixed-age groups talking together
• Hybrid or online session: Useful for accessibility or wider participation
• A larger public meeting: Invite a small panel of speakers such as local councillors or MPs, along with professionals from local organisations and services. If you are part of an Age-friendly Community invite a representative along!

Things to consider:

• Group size: Smaller groups often feel safer for personal sharing
• Accessibility: Venue, timing, online options, language used
• Whther ground rules are needed: Listening respectfully, no interruptions

• A mix of all ages or a specific age group, such as people over 50?
• Invite people of different backgrounds and experiences – people experience ageism differently
• Ensure the space will feel welcoming for everyone.
• Decide if the discussion is:
  • Open to all
  • Invitation only
  • Targeted to a specific group

Tip: It’s not necessary to be an 'expert' - curiosity and respect are enough.

• Welcome and purpose: Why you’re here
• Set the scene: What ageism is and why it matters
• Discussion: Guided questions or small-group chats
• Reflection: What stood out or surprised people
• Close: Key takeaways and thanks

Asking open-ended questions encourages people to think deeply and share their own perspectives for an interesting discussion. You may want to choose a few, not all of the following:

Personal experience

• When have you noticed assumptions being made about age - your own or others’?
• Have you ever felt treated differently because of your age?

Societal attitudes

• What stereotypes about different age groups do you notice most often?
• Where do these ideas come from - media, workplace culture, family expectations?

Intergenerational perspectives

• How do different generations misunderstand each other?
• What could different age groups learn from one another?

Workplace or community focus

• How might ageism show up in recruitment, promotion, or social settings?
• What does an age-inclusive workplace, community or social setting look like?

Reflection

• Have any of your own assumptions been challenged?
• What feels hardest to talk about when it comes to age?

Think about what comes next:

• Invite participants to:
  • Share one insight they’re taking away
  • Name one small action they could try
• Consider gathering feedback:
  • What worked well?
  • What could be improved?
• Share resources or further reading
  • Key Age Without Limits website pages
  • Material people can refer to after the session and keep the conversation going.
• Encourage ongoing conversations:
  • Follow-up meetings
  • Informal check-ins
  • Bringing the topic into other spaces (work, family, community groups)

Tip: Change often starts with small shifts in awareness and language.