All too often, older persons face discrimination, stereotyping and abuse because of their age. Age limits, penalties and denials of service imposed by insurance service providers and financial institutions, preconceived notions and negative attitudes on the part of medical staff, and age-based rationing of health care services or procedures are just a few examples.
On 1 October, the International Day for Older Persons, campaigners around the world will be taking a stand against ageism. Age Demands Action (ADA), a campaigning platform for older people, helps to challenge assumptions and prejudices and supports campaigners to push for policy changes to better improve their lives. Every year older people around the world organise campaigns and events to bring greater awareness to the issues that are important to them.
This year on 1 October ADA Global, campaigners will be highlighting how ageism manifests across the world and leads to the discrimination, stereotyping and abuse of older people everywhere. Stereotyping people because of their age is unacceptable. This must change.
A core focus of activities will be to encourage campaign partners to start a conversation around ageism and to discuss with older people what ageism means to them and their unique experiences. If society start to question ageism, people will begin to take action against age-based discrimination.
Take a look at the ADA Global campaign toolkit to see how you can get involved. Within the toolkit are suggested activities, including advice on how to run a consciousness-raising workshop or role-play workshop.
Access the Age Demands Action Global 2016 Toolkit.
To learn more about our work on ageing at social.un.org/ageing
Source & Copyright: HelpAge International