By recording that more than 90% of participants regularly experienced discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping related to aging, the study demonstrates that these are not uncommon, but rather a universal issue. The prevalence shows that ageism is a widespread social issue rather than a result of individual bias. The study also found that because of how frequently the participants encounter ageism, it causes poorer physical and mental health outcomes. As a result, the number is a key to the article's claim that everyday ageism is both common and damaging to health.