This resource outlines the Gerontism Mapping Framework for understanding and preventing gerontism, or the ageism experienced by older people. The Framework was developed in response to a growing tendency to conflate ageism as one homogenous experience across the lifespan.
Ageism is experienced by adults of all ages and is reinforced over time.1 The older we get, the more exposure we have to ageism, and the more harm it can cause. Recognition of ageism as a lifelong problem has led to calls for the focus of ageism policy, practice and resources not to be limited to older people.2 Additionally, initiatives to combat gerontism have largely targeted young people and service providers.3 While a multigenerational focus is important, ageism differs across the life span and acknowledging these differences is critical to the development of effective support and prevention.
To clarify the elements of gerontism, a Gerontism Mapping Tool was developed and piloted with 15 service provider and community groups working with older people. Analysis of the completed maps revealed four key elements of gerontism - the context, drivers, characteristics (location, source, extent and impacts) and responses.
This resource presents the Gerontism Mapping Framework and Mapping Tool. The aims of the resource are to improve the effectiveness of gerontism prevention and support by differentiating gerontism from other forms of ageism and exploring the diverse experiences of gerontism.
The Framework has been developed to assist service providers, policy makers, governments, researchers, community leaders, older people and other stakeholders understand that experiences of gerontism are as diverse as older people themselves.
About this resource
This resource has five sections, with the following section introducing the terms gerontism and gerontophobia. Section three outlines the Framework aims and elements; and section four presents practical strategies for Framework implementation in organisations – including the Gerontism Mapping Tool. Additional resources are listed in the final section, including a poem by Dubhglas A Taylor.
The Framework was developed by Celebrate Ageing Ltd, a charity dismantling gerontism and building respect for older people. It was produced for the Embolden2025 Festival on Same, Same – But Different Ageism,4 and was supported by the Embolden2025 partners, including ADA Australia, Elder Rights Australia, Compass and the Older Women’s Network of New South Wales.
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