Volume 1 Issue 2, February 2021

Volume 1 Issue 2

Looking to an anti-ageist future

Ageism, a form of social discrimination targeted specifically at older adults, is pervasive in our society, but its negative impact on the well-being of older persons is rarely recognized and its causes and consequences are not sufficiently understood. In this issue, we present a collection of review and opinion articles on the theme of ageism that all speak to the need and ways to create an anti-ageist future. Our cover image demonstrates the fallacy that older adults form a monolithic group with regards to interests and capabilities, and reinforces a sense of optimism for achieving a positive attitude toward old age.

See Editorial

Image: DiMaggio / Kalish / The Image Bank / Getty. Cover design: Lauren Heslop.

Editorial

  • Editorial |

    The consequences of ageism have never been more apparent than in the context of a global pandemic. In this special issue on ageism, Nature Aging demonstrates its commitment to supporting efforts to combat ageism in all its forms.

Correspondence

Comment & Opinion

  • World View |

    When older workers are discriminated against, everyone is affected. Age discrimination negatively impacts not only individual workers but also their families and the broader economy, argues Joo Yeoun Suh.

    • Joo Yeoun Suh

  • World View |

    To be anti-ageist is to be self-educating, calling out discrimination wherever we see it and being uncompromising in our demand for full dignity and citizenship for everyone at every stage of life, argues Dr Alexandre Kalache, president of the International Longevity Centre-Brazil.

    • Alexandre Kalache

News & Views

  • News & Views |

    Mitochondrial dysfunction can result in numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. CBP/p300, a histone acetyltransferase, has been uncovered as a key factor in the response to mitochondrial perturbation. It controls transcription of mitochondrial stress response genes, promotes innate immunity and enhances longevity.

    • Ying Liu

  • News & Views |

    Accelerated aging and cellular senescence are driving forces of pulmonary fibrosis. A novel anti-aging therapeutic approach combats lung fibrosis by targeting senescent fibrogenic cells for apoptosis.

    • Yan Zhou
    •  & David Lagares

  • News & Views |

    In this issue of Nature Aging, Janbek et al. report results of a registry-based cohort study in Denmark where older people with incident dementia had higher risk of infections, especially in the nervous system. They call for interventions for better health and quality of life for people living with dementia.

    • Roman Romero-Ortuno

Reviews

  • Perspective |

    Despite scarce evidence, ageism is often cited as a social factor contributing to elder mistreatment. This Perspective examines the limited research linking these issues and proposes a model and research agenda to further understand the relationship.

    • Karl Pillemer
    • , David Burnes
    •  & Andie MacNeil

Research

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