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.
Despite profound changes to the age structure of our society, ageism is still rife. This report looks at the role and impact of language and stereotypes in framing old age and ageing in the UK.
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.
