Ageism Estimated to Add $63 Billion to Health Costs Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Ageism May Add Billions to Health Costs

Yale study finds discrimination accounts for $1 of every $7 spent on 8 chronic conditions

Getty Images Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. A primary example of the cost linked to ageism is in the field of cardiovascular disease. Research has found that negative stereotypes about age lead to greater cardiovascular stress and then to serious events such as. Researchers found that $1 of every $7 spent on the eight costliest conditions afflicting those age 60 and older was attributable to ageism. In addition to the cardiovascular disease, the expensive conditions are chronic respiratory disease, musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, diabetes mellitus, , mental disorders and noncommunicable diseases. The findings of the study were based on an analysis of national surveys, demographic data and “a systematic review of research concerning the influence of ageism on health.” Cost estimates were calculated based on “the cost of ageism on health above and beyond the cost of age alone on health.” Professor Becca R. Levy, the lead author of the study, said that “ageism is one of the least visible prejudices. Our study helps to increase the visibility of ageism by looking at its consequences.” AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS