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Volume 39, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 0921-5077
  • E-ISSN: 1875-7235
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Abstract

Abstract

In recent years, the proportion of employed individuals aged 55 and over has continued to rise, and labour experts are increasingly working with older clients. Ageism (stereotyping, prejudices, and discrimination based on age) deprives individuals of opportunities and possibilities. Ageism may also play a role in the services of labour experts. This study comprises a literature review, an interactive questionnaire among labour experts, and focus groups with these professionals. The findings reveal that labour experts hold biases and stereotypes about older individuals. Furthermore, labour experts aged 50 or younger and those who wish to retire earlier tend to stereotype older individuals more. The questionnaire remains open as a tool for learning and reflection. A reframing approach was developed in co-creation with the labour experts to address and counteract ageism in their professional practice.

© Boelhouwer et al.
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2026-03-22
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Ageïsme doorbreken: Hoe professionals het verschil kunnen maken
G&O 39, 16 (2026); https://doi.org/10.5117/GO2026.1.003.BOEL
/content/journals/10.5117/GO2026.1.003.BOEL
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): ageism; labour experts; older employees; prejudices; stereotypes

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