Preliminary Validation of the Ageism Towards Older Persons Scale in Colombia

This study provides preliminary item selection and psychometric validation of the Ageism Towards Older Persons Scale, derived from the World Health Organization (WHO) Ageism Scale item pool, within a Colombian context. Given the multidimensional nature of ageism—encompassing stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination—and recognising limitations in existing measurement tools, especially regarding cross-cultural validity, this research addresses the urgent need for a reliable scale applicable globally and specifically within Spanish-speaking populations. Participants included 398 older adults aged between 60 and 95 from four Colombian cities (Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cartagena, and Ibagué). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a three-factor structure—stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination—with strong internal consistency reliability (ω ranging from .76 to .90). The sociodemographic analyses revealed varying patterns of ageism across education levels and social status groups. Furthermore, the nomological network analysis indicated meaningful associations between ageism perpetration and self-directed ageism, loneliness, and reduced wellbeing. The findings highlight the utility of this scale for future ageism research, intervention evaluation, and policy formulation aimed at mitigating ageism’s detrimental impacts on health, wellbeing, and societal participation among older populations.