“The War on Ageism” or How Ageism Is Reduced During Wartime

TL;DR

This study explores how wartime experiences in Israel led to reduced ageism, with people reporting increased collaboration and respect across age groups.

Contribution

The paper introduces new insights into how war contexts can unexpectedly reduce ageism through intergenerational cooperation and shared sacrifice.

Findings

50% of respondents observed reduced ageism during the war in general.

72% reported personal experiences of reduced ageism during the war.

Factors like intergenerational collaboration and willingness to sacrifice contributed to reduced ageism.

Abstract

The study evaluated the perceptions of lay people in Israel concerning the presence of ageism during the Swards of Iron war.

An online survey was administered to 911 Israelis during the month of April 2024. Respondents provided responses to two open-ended questions concerning their general views on ageism during the war in general as well as their own personal experiences with ageism during the war.

In total, 50% of the responses discussed a reduction or non-existence of ageism during the war in general, whereas 72% of the responses discussed such a reduction or non-existence of ageism based on their own personal experience during the war. This was attributed to: a) growing collaboration between young and old, b) younger people’s willingness to sacrifice their lives, and c) older persons’ contribution during the war.

The findings are discussed in the context of the contact theory and the theory of successful aging. It is of note that a horrific situation such as the war and neo-liberal values that advocate for activity and contribution may have unexpected positive consequences in the form of reduced ageism.