Ageism Across the Lifespan: Towards a Self‐Categorization Model of Ageing

Abstract

This article uses this collection of articles on ageism as a springboard to discuss empirical lacunae in the literature as well as propose a self‐categorization model of ageing phenomena. In particular, we argue that research would benefit from a more lifespan communication perspective. This includes the social origins of ageism that can be laid down early in development and perpetuated through collusive processes as individuals themselves age. Further, problems of interactively managing ageism, its intragenerational parameters, and the variable consequences of making death salient, are identified. Finally, we elaborate and illustrate a self‐categorization model of ageing processes before critically examining panaceas proposed by others to ameliorate ageism.