Menu
01/11/2004
Anti-age discrimination measures having no effect, says survey
Not only are anti-age discrimination measures failing to get the equality message through but the situation for the elderly will get worse, according to an Age Concern survey.
The survey found that 75% of people think age discrimination will not get any better in the next five years, with 28% saying it will get worse.
Of those surveyed, 30% said the level of prejudice against older people was actually higher now than it was five years ago.
The findings come as the charity unveiled its first-ever national billboard advertising campaign ‘Ageism Exists’, which encourages the public to join the fight to make age equality a reality.
The survey found overwhelming support for age equality, with 93% saying that the over 70s should definitely have equal access to health services.
Age Concern said that age inequality remained "legal and institutionalised" as people can be forced out of a job just because of their age. And currently, over 65s who become disabled cannot apply for the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, Age Concern said.
Also, many companies have upper-age limits on products, such as car and travel insurance and credit cards.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said: “Ageism is the last form of legal discrimination. It is often invisible and is endemic in our culture. This has to change. The cult of youth does not match the reality of people’s lives and we are living in the age of the older person. It’s time for the government to take action to give older people the rights and equality they need and deserve.”
(gmcg)
The survey found that 75% of people think age discrimination will not get any better in the next five years, with 28% saying it will get worse.
Of those surveyed, 30% said the level of prejudice against older people was actually higher now than it was five years ago.
The findings come as the charity unveiled its first-ever national billboard advertising campaign ‘Ageism Exists’, which encourages the public to join the fight to make age equality a reality.
The survey found overwhelming support for age equality, with 93% saying that the over 70s should definitely have equal access to health services.
Age Concern said that age inequality remained "legal and institutionalised" as people can be forced out of a job just because of their age. And currently, over 65s who become disabled cannot apply for the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, Age Concern said.
Also, many companies have upper-age limits on products, such as car and travel insurance and credit cards.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said: “Ageism is the last form of legal discrimination. It is often invisible and is endemic in our culture. This has to change. The cult of youth does not match the reality of people’s lives and we are living in the age of the older person. It’s time for the government to take action to give older people the rights and equality they need and deserve.”
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2003
New anti-discrimination body will 'promote human rights'
The creation of a new Equality Commission, which will not only counter discrimination and challenge inequality, but also provide support for the promotion of human rights, has been announced by the government today.
New anti-discrimination body will 'promote human rights'
The creation of a new Equality Commission, which will not only counter discrimination and challenge inequality, but also provide support for the promotion of human rights, has been announced by the government today.
11 October 2004
Comical stereotypes reinforce ageism, says report
Stereotypes of older people as sick and vulnerable, heroically young and active or just comically grumpy like TV’s Victor Meldrew are "major barriers" preventing their needs from being heard or acted upon, a leading lobby group has said.
Comical stereotypes reinforce ageism, says report
Stereotypes of older people as sick and vulnerable, heroically young and active or just comically grumpy like TV’s Victor Meldrew are "major barriers" preventing their needs from being heard or acted upon, a leading lobby group has said.
23 September 2008
Setback To Retirement Age Challenge
A European court adviser has rejected a challenge by campaigners for age equality to banish the compulsory retirement age in the UK. An Advocate-General at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg backed current UK rules however the decision is not binding.
Setback To Retirement Age Challenge
A European court adviser has rejected a challenge by campaigners for age equality to banish the compulsory retirement age in the UK. An Advocate-General at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg backed current UK rules however the decision is not binding.
29 September 2003
Pensioners need help with finances, says Age Concern
Millions of pensioners live on less cash than they should because they pay too much tax or miss out on benefits, a leading charity has claimed. Age Concern issued its warning came on the launch of its Concern Week which has been designed to help older people make the most of their money.
Pensioners need help with finances, says Age Concern
Millions of pensioners live on less cash than they should because they pay too much tax or miss out on benefits, a leading charity has claimed. Age Concern issued its warning came on the launch of its Concern Week which has been designed to help older people make the most of their money.
28 August 2006
Asda announces plans to scrap birth date queries
Supermarket chain Asda will no longer ask prospective employees to supply their date of birth on application forms, the firm has announced. The supermarket chain said that it would employ staff of all ages - from 16 to over 70 - which goes beyond new age discrimination legislation which will come into force on October 1.
Asda announces plans to scrap birth date queries
Supermarket chain Asda will no longer ask prospective employees to supply their date of birth on application forms, the firm has announced. The supermarket chain said that it would employ staff of all ages - from 16 to over 70 - which goes beyond new age discrimination legislation which will come into force on October 1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
