In an important step forward, the United Nations General Assembly recommended relevant UN bodies consider the recommendations made by a working group seeking a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
The National Association of Federal Retirees is a founding member of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA), a national social movement to end ageism against older persons while protecting and strengthening their human rights.
In October, the CCAA launched its campaign Ageism Affects Everyone to promote ageism awareness and a Canada free from bias against older persons.
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.
Ageism can be overt or subtle, institutional and interpersonal. Ageism intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as sexism, racism, ableism and homophobia. It can be ignored, or overlooked and perpetuated through our social structures and interactions.
In 2023, the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors released a "What we heard" report on its consultations regarding the social and economic impacts of ageism in Canada. The report summarizes feedback on the impacts of ageism shared by Canadians during consultations and through an online questionnaire. It focused on employment, health care, social inclusion, safety and security and media and social media.
Ageism in Canada
As noted in this report, roughly half of the questionnaire respondents (48.4 per cent) said they had experienced ageism themselves. More than two thirds (69.9 per cent) said they believed ageism had increased in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
When it comes to health care, participants shared experiences of being ignored, treated paternalistically and being denied care or receiving poor care due to age. Systemic barriers such as a lack of transportation and the introduction of tele-health were noted, along with how ageism plays a role in the systemic neglect and inaction on long-term care and home care.
Participants noted ageism manifests itself in social isolation, citing the lack of aging-in-place supports, accessible spaces and impacts on financial insecurity. Participants also commented on how ageism intersects with other experiences, such as financial challenges, and prejudices, such as racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia, which impedes social inclusion. Senior abuse, scams and fraud that targets older adults, as well as the lack of resources dedicated to these crimes were among the safety and security concerns.
Portrayals of age in media and social media were notable — specifically the under-representation of older adult voices and interests, and stereotypes ranging from frailty to luxury-living marathon runners. The rare portrayal of positive experiences of aging in media was also observed.
Protecting the rights of older adults
The CCAA and Federal Retirees are calling on the Canadian government to support a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
A UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons would protect the rights of older persons, recognize the valuable economic and social contributions they make and provide a comprehensive and coherent framework for a world free from ageism and age discrimination.
In May, the association represented members at the United Nations (UN) Open-Ended Working Group on Aging (OEWGA), advocating for the UN Convention.
In an important development, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution acknowledging the completion of the OEWGA’s mandate, and urged relevant UN bodies to consider recommendations adopted by OEWGA, including a proposal to establish a UN Convention. In addition, it recommends the president of the General Assembly hold a meeting to share views and experiences on the recommendations.
Visit our website for more information and to join the campaign.