Exposure to ageism (discrimination based on age) among older adults and its impact on health behaviors and health service use

<b>Scientific background: </b>Ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as thoughts, feelings and behaviors about age and aging. The emphasis in this research project is on its negative consequences for older adults. Research has shown ageism to be prevalent in the health system and ageism (both by the health system and by older adults towards themselves) to harm older adults, their health behaviors (e.g. going to the doctor less often because pain is perceived as natural) and their health status, including earlier death among older adults who perceived their aging in a negative manner.<b> Objectives: </b>To conduct an extensive survey on the exposure of the older population to ageism in the healthcare system and on negative self-perceptions of aging. We will also examine how ageism is linked to health behaviors and to the utilization of healthcare services. <b>Working hypotheses: </b>As they age, older adults will report a higher exposure to ageism from the healthcare system and more negative self-perceptions of aging. Both perceptions of ageism from the healthcare system and from the self will be directly related to health behaviors and to utilization of health services. <b>Type of research and methods of data collection: </b>A national representative survey of 1,570 adults aged 50 and above, stratified by age, gender, population group (Veteran Jew, Arab-Israeli, immigrants from the former Soviet Union) and geographical area.