The World Health Organization states there are three ways to combat ageism:
• education to dispel myths and stereotypes and raise awareness of the impact of ageism.
• intergenerational interventions, which create cooperation and empathy between age groups.
• law and policy changes, which can reduce inequity and discrimination.
These efforts require commitment from governments and institutions, as they hold the most power to create change. On an individual level, people can contribute to these efforts by being an ally. Allyship involves dedicating personal time and energy to acting against ageism by:
• Becoming aware of ageism: Reflect on how ageism shapes one’s own thoughts, feelings, and life experiences.
• Learning about ageism: Learn how ageism affects others by listening to personal stories, reading books, and researching.
• Developing skills: Learn about and practice advocacy skills, such as knowing when to speak up and when to step back.