Fighting ageism in Canada and beyond has been a long, drawn-out campaign. In August 2024, the draft of an international convention on the human rights of older persons was submitted to the UN for consideration. Most recently, four priorities have been identified to help inform Canadian agencies’ work on healthy ageing.
Survey of Older Adults Found Significant Ageism in Canada
Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) released findings from a 2024 IPSOS survey undertaken by CCAA and its constituent partners. The survey respondents were 1,000 Canadian adults over the age of 25.
- While 54% of Canadians are familiar with the concept of ageism, 87% fail to grasp its widespread prevalence. With nearly half of the global population harbouring ageist attitudes, this lack of awareness of the issue is deeply alarming.
- 64% of Canadians acknowledge that feelings of age discrimination harm mental and physical health.
- 42% express anxiety about aging themselves, and 31% report experiencing self-ageism, such as negative feelings about their own aging.
- Just 44% of Canadians agree that ageism has a negative economic toll, underscoring the need to raise awareness about its far-reaching societal and financial impacts.
(Source: CCAA news release, December 3, 2024)
Four Initiatives Identified to Guide Programming and Reduce Ageism
Armed with this critical data, the CCAA and the International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC) convened a conference in Ottawa in June 2024. NGOs, healthcare professionals and elected representatives from across Canada collaborated in roundtable groups, creating four priorities to inform service delivery and encourage healthy ageing for older people.
- Health Care Must Change: Ageism leads to older persons being dismissed, ignored, or receiving substandard care. Addressing these biases ensures that age does not determine the quality of care received.
- Education is Critical: Teaching about ageism in schools, workplaces, and healthcare is one of the most effective strategies for change.
- Intergenerational Connection: Programs fostering relationships between younger and older persons reduce stereotypes and promote understanding.
- Nothing About Us Without Us: Older persons must be central to decision-making and research. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights that drive meaningful change.
(Source: CCAA news release, December 3, 2024)
BC CRN is committed to promoting these four principles to guide our advocacy and member agencies’ work in overcoming stigma and ageism in British Columbia and Canada.
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN, or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
