Descriptive and prescriptive age stereotypes as sources of self- and other-directed age discrimination (with Prof. Klaus Rothermund)

With the current research project, we will test a comprehensive conceptual model specifying the relations between age stereotypes and age discrimination. We will test our model with a multimethod approach: We will develop and validate domain-specific measures of the relevant constructs (descriptive and prescriptive age stereotypes, self- and other-directed age discrimination). Cross-sectional and longitudinal survey studies will be conducted to investigate descriptive and prescriptive age stereotypes as well as self- and other-directed age discrimination in large samples, covering a broad age range, and spanning two different countries (Israel and Germany). These studies will provide an informative overview of the prevalence of, and relations between age stereotypes and age discrimination. In addition, the planned studies allow us to investigate domain-specificity and gender-specificity of the relations, providing a differentiated and comprehensive account of age stereotypes, age discrimination, and how they relate to each other. The studies will also allow us to investigate country differences, and to explore their underlying sources. Comparisons between Israel and Germany are particularly informative with regard to detecting possible determinants and moderators of the prevalence of age stereotypes and age discrimination, and of their potential relationship, since these two countries differ with regard to demographic characteristics and also with regard to the salience of existential threat. We will follow up on the survey studies with experimental studies to determine the causal direction of effects. In a first experiment, we will manipulate the endorsement of descriptive and prescriptive stereotypes and assess the effects of these manipulations on age discrimination. In a second experiment, we will additionally manipulate existential threat to investigate the causal effects of threat on age stereotypes, age discrimination, and their relation, and we will compare the effects of personal manipulations of threat in different contexts (Germany vs. Israel).

Social isolation/integration of older persons in climate changing cities and communities

This proposal integrates two global phenomena that pose significant challenges to the general population, and especially to older adults: social isolation of older adults (age 65+) in their cities and communities, and the impacts of climate change. In this proposal, we will examine the perceived impacts of climate-related events and conditions on older adults’ social isolation vs. integration in the urban environment. For instance, extreme heat may confine already socially isolated older adults to their homes, natural disasters may threaten the communities and social fabric that previously provided support and integration to older adults, and the financial costs imposed by climate change (e.g., rising home insurance costs) may prohibit new families and support systems from moving into the neighbourhoods that older adults have long called home.

Our focus on one historically cold area yet with rising temperatures and great seasonal variation (Boston, Massachusetts in the United States) and one historically hot area with persistent high temperatures year-round (Tel Aviv, Israel) will enable us to understand older adults’ adaptations to distinctive climate contexts. By the end of this project, we will develop and test a) a theory on the relationship between older adults’ social isolation/integration in cities and communities within the context of climate change, and b) innovative qualitative methods to explore perceived climate and environmental effects on social isolation/integration through the lived experiences of older adults. Findings will be used to enhance research and theoretical understanding and generate public scholarship with an eye toward informing policy changes globally and locally.

HalfLife-Reducing self-and other-directed ageism in the second half of life

HALFLIFE is a five-year research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC-2024-AdV, grant ID 101198899), led by Prof. Liat Ayalon. This initiative aims to develop impactful strategies to combat ageism worldwide.

HalfLife proposes groundbreaking, novel and innovative research to understand ageism (i.e., stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination towards people because of their age) in the second half of life (defined as age 60 and over) to unveil reliable interventions to reduce ageism. The adoption of an intragroup (from within) perspective acknowledges the agency of older persons rather than viewing them solely as victims of ageism. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, HalfLife will develop a theoretically informed, personalised approach to tackling ageism in older persons. Unlike other “isms”, we are all bound to experience ageism if we live long enough. The evolving ageing demographics and the detrimental impact of ageism on society at large and older persons alike make the reduction of ageism a public health priority and 1 of 4 pillars of the UN Decade. This research project will improve the theory and practice of interventions against self- and other-directed ageism among older agents (targeters) of ageism by identifying the best interventions to reduce self- and other- ageism and recognising the multi-dimensional nature of ageism, including its implicit (unconscious) component. HalfLife will advance and integrate theory, research, and practice locally and globally, capitalising on knowledge derived from lay people, research, policy, and practice stakeholders. Relying on an intervention accelerator, we will conduct lab and field randomised controlled trial tournaments in three countries to develop a portfolio of effective interventions. To ensure the scale-up of the findings, we will develop and support Communities of Practice of practitioners and policy stakeholders at the local and global levels.

Ageism and intergenerational tension in the age of climate change

This proposal addresses prominent global challenges currently faced by humanity: the climate change and ageism/intergenerational tension. The most important inheritance we can leave to future generations is an intact world, in which they can continue to live and flourish. Yet, there appears to be high levels of ageism and a growing tension between the generations in the ideological discourse surrounding climate change. At times of scarce resources brought by the climate change and the gradual depletion of the earth’s resources, intergroup threat is likely to increase and old people may be expected to succumb and not to burden the younger generations. This proposal examines the manifestation, origins and consequences of ageism and intergenerational tension in the context of climate change ideological discourse. To achieve these goals, we will conduct four different studies that together provide a comprehensive outlook on this phenomenon. We will rely on a mixed-methods design including both qualitative and quantitative/experimental research methods, moving between deductive, inductive and abductive approaches to data collection and analysis. Data collection and analysis will vacillate between the global international arena and the local arena. Study 1, aims to outline the manifestation of ageism and intergenerational tension in ideological discourse in the field of climate change. This will be done through content analysis of English-written texts available on official websites of climate change opinion leaders over the past two decades (starting in 1999). Study 2, aims to identify the roots of ageism and intergenerational tension by interviewing climate change opinion leaders who were identified in study 1 as instigating ageism and intergenerational tension in their ideological discourse. This will be done through individual in-depth interviews. Study 3, aims to explore ageism and intergenerational tension in the context of climate change in the discourse produced by laypeople. This will be done through qualitative focus group interviews with laypeople. Study 4, aims to examine the impact of ageism and intergenerational tension in the ideological discourse around climate change on laypeople’s reaction to climate change, ageism and intergenerational tension. This will be done experimentally, through a series of case vignettes which vary in terms of the ideological discourse produced and the age of the person who delivers the message. Relying the succession and consumption model and the intergroup threat theory, this innovative comprehensive approach is expected to result in the refinement and elaboration of theoretical understandings concerning ageism and intergenerational tension in a world that is experiencing a depletion of its resources. As this is only one of multiple intergenerational tensions that occur in contemporary political discourse, results have substantial implications worldwide in a variety of domains. Practically, this study provides a bridge between science and policy as findings may guide future campaigns around climate change and will contribute to a life in a world for all ages, in which old age is not seen as a burden or a liability.

Moral conflicts in familial dementia care involving migrant live-in carers in Germany and Israel: A comparative empirical-ethical exploration and analysis (MoDeCare)

Population ageing leads to a higher prevalence of dementia and thus an increasing need for care for those affected. At the same time, there is a lack of informal and professional carers who could meet the sophisticated and time-consuming requirements of dementia care. In many countries, migrant live-in carers have become a common solution to fill this care void. However, these live-in care arrangements are prone to considerable social, legal, and moral difficulties. While the focus of previous research was mainly on social and legal aspects, an in-depth examination of the moral dimension is still missing. This project focuses on the comparative empirical exploration of moral conflicts in live-in care arrangements in Germany and Israel and their ethical reflection. We employ methods of qualitative research and ethical analysis to study moral conflicts on the micro level of the triad composed of live-in carers, people with dementia, and relatives in both countries, also taking into account the role of structural factors at the meso and macro level. The aim is to develop a more profound understanding of moral conflicts in live-in dementia care in Germany and Israel in order to formulate empirically informed ethical recommendations for care providers and policy makers.

Applicants

Dr. Merle Weßel, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg (PI)

Dr. Milena von Kutzleben, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Co-PI)

Prof. Dr. Mark Schweda, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Co-PI)

Prof. Liat Ayalon, Bar Ilan University (PI)

Dr. Michal Herz, geriatric consultant, freelancing researcher (Co-PI)

Keywords: Dementia, family care, migrant carer, ethics