Presentation of the study ‘The link between ageism and loneliness: analysing, raising awareness of and preventing discrimination against older people’

Can age-based prejudice, stereotypes or discrimination lead to older people becoming less socially active and increase the risk of unwanted loneliness?

To address this challenge, the Grandes Amigos Foundation is promoting the project ‘The Link Between Ageism and Loneliness: Analysing, Raising Awareness and Preventing Discrimination Against Older People’, funded through national income tax by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda. As part of this project, Matia Institute has carried out this study of the same name.

This qualitative research aims to highlight ageism as a form of structural discrimination that violates the rights of older people, analyse its link to unwanted loneliness, and drive a cultural shift that promotes respect and equal treatment of older people.

Come and discover the main findings of the study, presented by the researchers themselves and through the testimonies of older people. The project’s upcoming awareness-raising activities will also be outlined, along with the experiences of other leading initiatives.

Conference programme

Presentation of the study ‘The link between ageism and loneliness. Analysing, raising awareness of and preventing discrimination against older people’.

9.45 – Registration of attendees.

10.00 – Welcome and introduction.

• Agustín Martínez Molina, Research Coordinator at Imserso.
• Loles Díaz-Aledo, President of the Grandes Amigos Foundation.

10.15 – Panel discussion. Results and conclusions of the study. Presented by Mercedes Villegas, Director of the Grandes Amigos Foundation.

• Penélope Castejón, lead researcher on the study, from Matia Institute.
• Paula García, researcher at Matia Institute.
• Alfonso Casana, Head of Research at Grandes Amigos.
• Testimonials from older people who took part in the study.

11.15 – Discussion panel. Why raise awareness about ageism and loneliness. Presented by Mercedes Villegas, Director of the Grandes Amigos Foundation.

• Raquel del Castillo, Director of Hablando en Plata, Atresmedia Audiovisual
• Rubén Herranz, Research Officer at Imserso.
• José Ángel Palacios, Communications Coordinator at Grandes Amigos.
• Testimonials from older people who took part in the study.

12.15. Coffee and light refreshments for attendees to mingle.