A nationwide consultation was launched yesterday to look into the issue of ageism towards older adults in Canada.
Ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” For example, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted systemic ageism towards older adults as a factor that contributed to the neglect of long-term care residents, resulting in high rates of deaths.
Those interested to participate can visit the consultation web page by clicking here. Near the bottom of the page are tabs for an online questionnaire, as well as for an online forum where participants can share their stories. The questionnaire explores the five key areas where ageism is known to take place:
- Employment
- Health and Health Care
- Social Inclusion
- Safety and Security
- Media and Social Media
For those preferring to share their stories about experiencing ageism privately, there is an option to email ESDC.NA.AGISME.CONSULTATIONS-CONSULTATIONS.AGEISM.NA.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca. The deadline to participate is at the end of October 2022.
The consultation was initiated by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum (FPT Seniors Forum), an intergovernmental body tasked to identify and address emerging issues related to seniors.
According to the FPT Seniors Forum webpage, a recent Canadian survey found 63% of older adults who responded felt they had been treated unfairly based on their age. The same survey identified the leading sources of age discrimination to be younger people, healthcare professionals, government policies, and employers.
FPT Seniors Forum notes that ageism exists in all aspects of society, much like the other forms of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, ability and ethnicity. Because it is often overlooked, age-related stigma and discrimination are often tolerated instead of addressed.
photo credit: Seniors in Canada FB page
Relevant links:
- FPT Seniors Forum: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum.html
- Ageism consultation: https://esdc-consultations.canada.ca/ageism-consultation