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This report explores the nature and prevalence of prejudice and discrimination about age and ageing.

In autumn 2005 we undertook a comprehensive research programme in partnership with the University of Kent. 

Using a nationally representative sample of adults aged 16+‚ detailed interviews were conducted with almost 2000 people.

Main findings:

• More people (29%) reported suffering age discrimination than any other form of discrimination
• From age 55 onwards‚ people were nearly twice as likely to have experienced age prejudice than any other form of discrimination
• Nearly 30% of people believed there is more prejudice against the old than five years ago‚ and that this will continue to get worse
• One third of people thought that the demographic shift towards an older society would make life worse in terms of standards of living‚ security‚ health‚ jobs and education
• One in three respondents said they viewed the over 70s as incompetent and incapable

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The full report and summary can be downloaded from the top right corner of this screen.