Ageism is not just a UK issue, in fact the United Nations has recognised this as an international one with them highlighting the importance of older people in society.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, articles that celebrate a ‘cull’ of the elderly remind us to think more carefully about our attitudes towards ageing.
Although longer life expectancy is regarded positively and reflects societal progress in healthcare, later life is still synonymous with ill-health, resulting in ‘inevitable’ cognitive and physical decline.
Attitudes to ageing and older people in the UK are mostly negative, according to a review of the evidence, with older people seen as incompetent, hostile or a burden on society.
With the population demographic changing, there's now a huge chance for the next government to create a society where we all have the opportunity to age well and enjoy our later lives.
Why Sue is #AgeProud
"I think it’s just a sense of packing in as much as possible ‘cos the older you get, the more aware you are of mortality at the end of it."
When many people think about ageing, they think about the common stereotypes of older people being frail or lonely, but a good later life is possible for many of us
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