Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, ANKARA
Hacettepe Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksek Okulu, ANKARA Projections showed that world population was 6.1 billion in 2000 and will reach 9.1 billion in 2100 and start to decline afterwards. This change will affect the age-sex structure and the share of age groups. Life expectation at birth will increase and the population will start to get old and the share of aged people will increase. This process will affect the various sectors of the society such as health services, health expenditures, social security organizations and it is more likely the .ageism. will be common in many communities. Aging is a biological, chronological and social process with its problems that cannot be avoided. Ageism is a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old. It is also defined as any prejudice or discrimination against or in favor of any age group. It is a type of ideology against old people like sex or ethnic discrimination that can be converted into action. Ageist attitudes are perpetuated in popular culture, businesses, health and other human service professionals. The theoretical base of the ageism is based on fear against death; importance given to being young, physical appearance and sexuality; economic productivity and the results of the research that was only implemented at hospitals, nursing and retirement homes. In order to have more healthy and active elderly group, the policies towards seniors should be rearranged. Social security systems should develop solutions for the long run that take into account the demographic changes of the population. Health, education and employment policies must be parallel to these changes. Otherwise, the problems will persist not only for aged but for the young generation also. Keywords : Ageism, Aged population, Aging, Social discrimination, Demographic structure, Social security.