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Understanding Ageism

Build the knowledge and practical skills to understand the aging process, recognize ageism, and communicate more effectively with and about people of all ages.

Explore the Academic Version Explore the Professional Version
For Students & Educators

A comprehensive academic learning experience designed for classroom adoption and student preparation.

For Professionals & Organizations

A streamlined learning experience designed for professional development and staff training.

LEARN. RECOGNIZE. RESPOND.

Build more age-inclusive classrooms, workplaces, and communities

GSA’s Understanding Ageism courses equip participants with foundational knowledge to understand the aging process, recognize ageism, and communicate effectively with people of all ages.

Each self-paced course uses realistic scenarios, relatable personas, and guided knowledge checks to help learners connect core concepts to everyday decisions and interactions.

EXPLORE THE COURSES

Find the learning experience that fits your goals

Understanding Ageism is available in two versions, tailored to meet the needs of academic learners and professionals.

Students & Educators

Academic Version

A comprehensive course designed for classroom adoption and student learning. Students build knowledge about aging and ageism while developing skills for communicating and engaging effectively across generations.

Format Self-paced online
Length Approximately 2.5 hours
Best For Classroom adoption
Experience Four learning modules

The Academic Version can support:

  • Undergraduate, graduate, and professional education
  • Faculty-led classroom instruction
  • Service-learning preparation
  • Clinical rotation preparation
  • Community engagement programs
  • Exploration of careers related to aging
Access the Academic Version Ask About Classroom Adoption
Professionals & Organizations

Professional Version

A streamlined course for professionals, organizations, and community leaders. Explore how ageism appears in everyday life and professional practice and build awareness that can support meaningful change.

Format Self-paced online
Length Approximately 1 hour
Best For Professional development
Developed By National Center to Reframe Aging

The Professional Version can support:

  • Individual professional development
  • Employee onboarding and staff education
  • Organization-wide training
  • Age-inclusive communication
  • Service and community engagement
  • Professionals working throughout the aging services network and other sectors
Access the Professional Version Ask About Organizational Training
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Develop a stronger understanding of ageism and its impact

Both versions explore foundational concepts and practical approaches for recognizing and addressing ageism.

Recognize Ageism

Identify how ageism can appear in everyday interactions, professional practice, and community life.

Examine Language & Messaging

Explore how words, images, and messages shape perceptions of aging and people of different ages.

Understand Media & Culture

Consider how media and cultural messages influence attitudes about aging across the lifespan.

Understand the Aging Process

Distinguish normal aging-related changes from changes associated with disease, disability, or illness.

Communicate Across Generations

Apply strategies for communicating respectfully and effectively with people of all ages.

Turn Awareness Into Action

Use practical strategies to address ageism and support more age-inclusive services, workplaces, and communities.

AN APPLIED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Move beyond awareness through real-world application

Understanding Ageism uses scenario-based learning to help participants connect course concepts to situations they may encounter in classrooms, workplaces, healthcare settings, and communities. Through realistic examples, relatable course personas, and guided knowledge checks, learners have opportunities to consider how ageism can shape everyday interactions and practice applying more age-inclusive approaches.

Realistic scenarios Explore situations that demonstrate how ageism can influence communication, decisions, and experiences.
Relatable course personas Follow characters whose experiences help place key concepts in a recognizable context.
Guided knowledge checks Reinforce learning and practice applying age-inclusive approaches to everyday situations.

Choose your Understanding Ageism course

Whether you are preparing students for age-inclusive engagement or giving professionals practical tools for the workplace, there is an Understanding Ageism learning experience designed for you.

Academic Version Professional Version