“Age is one of the first things we notice about people. Ageism arises when age is used to categorize and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice and erode solidarity across generations.”

 

“We can create a world for all ages.”

Global report on ageism – 18 March 2021

The Global report on ageism just released by the World Health Organization outlines how to combat ageism to improve health, increase opportunities, reduce costs and enable people to flourish at any age.

It says together we can create a world for all ages if governments, UN agencies, development organisations, civil society organisations and academic and research institutions implement strategies that are effective and invest in further research, and if individuals and communities join the movement and challenge every instance of ageism.

The report makes three recommendations to reduce ageism. They are to:

• Invest in evidence-based strategies to prevent and tackle ageism.
• Improve data and research to gain a better understanding of ageism and how to reduce it.
• Build a movement to change the narrative around age and ageing.

ECLC is tackling ageism though its OPERA project which promotes that older people in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne feel valued and respected in the community by challenging some of the harmful beliefs and attitudes that can lead to discrimination on the basis of age.

Videos challenge age discrimination with stories of empowered, resilient and active older people living in Melbourne’s east who shared their personal stories to demonstrate how they enjoy happy, independent and meaningful lifestyles as they age.

These stories are to be shared: to bring awareness, to educate and to inspire everyone to embrace the journey of ageing and to plan for an active and empowered older life.

Read the Global report on ageism executive summary.
Read the Global report on ageism full report.