Introduction

This book is about the diversity of older people and the discrimination that results. Older people are often stereotyped according to their age. Age stereotyping is concerned with associating certain characteristics, or the lack of them, with certain ages. It in effect homogenises the particular age group as being all the same, rather than recognising any diversity within that age group (Robinson, Gustafson and Popovich 2008). There is an impression that older people share certain attributes, patterns of behaviour, appearances and beliefs (Ward et al. 2008). This stereotyping according to age is not restricted to older people of course and can apply to all ages and age groups. Here is a useful quote that illustrates how the issue of age pervades many aspects of the life course:

This book is concerned with the effect on older people of age discrimination and ageism and how age relates to other diverse characteristics to create the potential for multiple discrimination.