Too much negative stereotyping of older people
OCTOBER 1 was the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons.
This year, the United Nations used the day to draw attention to and challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing.
Negative and inaccurate stereotyping of older people still exists in society as is the belief that we can judge people’s abilities and competencies based on their age.
This is ageism and ageism is wrong.
Ageism prevents society benefiting fully from all the skills, knowledge and experience which older people have to offer.
Ageism also prevents older people having the same respect, rights and access to services, such as the NHS and financial services, as the rest of the population.
Age Cymru is Wales’ largest and leading charity for older people and we were proud to stand alongside the United Nations on October 1 to help stamp out ageism.
This is why we’re calling for action from the governments in Cardiff Bay and Westminster to tackle ageism and its causes.
We want the Welsh Government and all public authorities to make better use of the Equality Act 2010 to protect older people from discrimination. We also want the UK Government to reconsider the financial services exemption in the Equality Act 2010 which allows financial companies to discriminate against older people.
It’s time to make ageism a thing of the past. Ian Thomas Chief Executive, Age Cymru