There must be fifty ways to reduce ageism: A theoretical perspective on possible interventions to reduce self- and other-directed ageism among older persons

Ageism is defined as stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination toward people because of their age. It represents a substantial public health concern given its high prevalence and extensive impact on the health and well-being of older persons. Although interventions to reduce ageism toward older persons among younger persons as agents of ageism exist, much less is known about interventions to reduce self- and other-directed ageism toward older persons among older persons. This theoretical paper addresses the gap by proposing a comprehensive framework for the development of interventions to reduce ageism among older persons in the second half of life. Drawing on established theories, such as contact theory, terror management theory, stereotype embodiment theory, and social identity theory, we propose various mechanisms through which ageism among older persons can be reduced. The paper explores theoretical assumptions about which interventions work for whom and why to guide further empirical research on the reduction of ageism in the second half of life. We argue that although at the present time, effective interventions to reduce ageism among older persons are scarce, there are many theoretical avenues that may prove effective.