Putting a Stop to Ageism
Guest: Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate
On this edition of Journal, I’d like to ask if any of these following scenarios sound familiar – and these are just a few of the stories included in a report by British Columbia’s Seniors Advocate called “Reframing Ageing: British Columbians’ Thoughts on Ageism.” Over 9000 individuals participated with over 80% believing ageism is an issue in BC, with more than half saying they had been personally impacted.
Here are a few quotes, from real people:
“As a 70 year-old woman, I am sadly aware how invisible I feel and I am often ignored by the general public. We live in a youth-driven culture. Younger generations aren’t interested in talking to us or hearing what we have to say.”
Or…
A gentleman said: “I recently went to the bank and the teller treated me as if I didn’t understand how the banking system worked. The person spoke slowly and said it was complicated… I may have white hair, but I can still think and look after my finances.”
Or…
“In the media, I shake my head when a ‘victim’ is described as an elderly person… and then the age is revealed as 60!
Another said:
“I am in my mid-70s. I volunteer at a local food bank and museum and am very physically active. I don’t look my age and my current health is good.” Therefore, she goes on to say, she was “gobsmacked” when asked by her doctor if she knew what MAID was.
This collection of real-life stories covers ageism in the workplace, healthcare, social interactions, and safety. Joining me to discuss this work is BC’s Seniors Advocate, Dan Levitt.
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