Ageism is stereotyping or discriminating against individuals based on their age. Institutional programs or policies can perpetuate stereotypes about older adults. Public Health can play a leadership role in eliminating the effects of ageism by working with government agencies and community-based organizations to replace ageist policies and programs with ones that allow older adults to be active members of their communities, live safely, independently and thrive.

Combating ageism has been noted as one of the four action areas of the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 – 2030) by the World Health Organization.