Ageism

The worldwide population of adults ages 60 and over has rapidly become the fastest growing age group, making the study of ageism a pressing social issue. Collectively, contributors to this issue draw on strong theoretical traditions and sophisticated multi-methods (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental) to offer empirical evidence toward a greater understanding of the role of ageism in health and employment contexts. This special issue sets the stage for the next wave of international research on ageism across the lifecycle and for making greater progress on designing and implementing effective interventions and public policies supporting older adults and positive intergenerational relations.

Sheri R. Levy, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University, USA.  She studies factors that cause and maintain prejudice, stigmatization, and negative intergroup relations and that can be harnessed to reduce bias, marginalization, and discrimination. Her research focuses on bias based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, sexual orientation, social class, and weight.  Levy was Editor of Journal of Social Issues from 2010-2013. 

Jamie L. Macdonald is a graduate student in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University, USA. She studies prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and intergroup relations. Her research focuses on ageism, and how it affects individuals in different contexts throughout the life course.

Todd D. Nelson, PhD is a professor of psychology at California State University – Stanislaus. His research focuses on stereotypes and prejudice, and on ageism in particular. He is a fellow of the Society for Experimental Social Psychology, and has published extensively on ageism.