Ageism in social care services for older people: evidence and practical priorities from a scoping review

Purpose This scoping review aims to examine how ageism is conceptualised and manifested in social care services for older people and identifies practical priorities for more inclusive and rights-based practice. Design/methodology/approach Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting standards, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish between 2022 and June 2026. Thirteen eligible studies were synthesised descriptively and thematically. Findings Ageism operates at interpersonal, organisational and structural levels through paternalistic communication, infantilisation, assumptions of incapacity, substitute decision-making, restricted participation and routines that prioritise organisational requirements over individual preferences. Digital ageism may further restrict autonomy, privacy and choice. Research limitations/implications The evidence base was small, geographically dispersed and predominantly qualitative or conceptual. Some studies addressed age-related exclusion without explicitly conceptualising it as ageism. Practical implications Professionals should move from doing for older people to doing with them. Organisations should review language, routines, assessments and decision-making; provide accessible mechanisms for voice and feedback; and involve older people in service planning, evaluation and technology-related decisions. Social implications Age-inclusive services can strengthen autonomy, citizenship, participation and equitable access to support. Originality/value The review synthesises recent evidence on ageism in social care and translates it into priorities for professionals, managers and service organisations.