COTA Australia says the WHO Global report on Ageism released today, which highlights the prevalence of ageism globally and makes key recommendations for how to combat it, is as relevant in Australia as it is anywhere else in the world.
The report finds that 1 in 2 people worldwide are ageist against older people and that this impacts on older people’s life span, income, poorer physical and mental health, slower recovery from disability and cognitive decline.
“This report also shows just how pervasive ageism is in our society. We see it in our workplaces, in our health care system and of course we’ve seen it rife throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” Ian Yates, Chief Executive of COTA Australia said.
“When older people are undervalued, we all miss out, as individuals, as communities, and as an economy. The hidden costs of ageism and age discrimination in employment, health care and other areas is enormous, and the WHO Report calls for more research, education and legislation to understand and combat this scourge.”
The report makes three recommendations:
- Invest in evidence-based strategies to prevent and tackle ageism.
- Improve data and research to gain a better understanding of ageism and how to reduce it.
- Build a movement to change the narrative around age and ageing.
You can read the full COTA Australia media release here.
You can download the report here.
Watch a recording of the international launch of the report here.
