Age Discrimination in Wales – A Spotlight On Ageism

Steve Milsom (an older person of 70) is writing here independently but is Secretary of Cymru Older Peoples Alliance, a member of the Steering Committee for the BSG Special Interest Group on Ageism and also an Age Cymru Trustee.

Introduction

Age Discrimination is prevalent and pervasive throughout our society. Although some progress has been made in recent years, as we enter 2026 – a year of political challenge and potential change in Wales -, now is the right time for concerted action. This article provides an introduction for a series of articles over the coming months to spotlight the problems caused by ageism and to discuss the potential solutions.

Defining Age Discrimination

The World Health Organisation (WHO Ageism) have defined ageism as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or ourselves based on age” The Centre for Ageing Better research over the last 3 years shows how ageism causes deep and lasting harm to people and society, directly and indirectly, exacerbating social divisions and inequalities and damaging our economy.

Raising Awareness

The last decade has seen a range of legislation and policies to address age discrimination. The United Nations Principles for Older People – which is embedded in Welsh law – says that older persons “should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution.” The Equalities Act 2010 is in place. Ageism and age discrimination has been a campaign issue in Wales for several years. Our Commissioner for Older People has made it a central plank of her work. We have a Welsh Government Strategy for an Ageing Society that sets out an agenda for change. The Ministerial Advisory Forum on Ageing has commenced work on a National Debate on Ageism. More broadly the British Society of Gerontology has launched a Special Interest Group on Ageism which has strong Welsh membership. Despite all of these positive developments, we still hear regular examples of how our society has not yet shown any substantial signs of change and ageism is still deeply rooted in the day to day lives of many older people. We must see a step change in raising awareness and understanding of age discrimination in society through a concerted National Debate and Action Plan over the next few years.

The language used is important in this debate. Using stereotypes (even unintentionally) is just a slippery slope to discrimination – they must be avoided. I am pleased that the British Society of Gerontology Special Interest Group – is looking to raise awareness of internalised ageing – acceptance of and incorporation of negative stereotypes into self-beliefs. I saw that plainly with my (late) mother who after her 90^th birthday spent nearly a decade withdrawing from activities and life. We must do more to ensure older people and the professionals who support them understand this concept and how to avoid the negative consequences. If we refer to “older people” without any clarification or explanation, this generality or shorthand, is guilty of treating people between 60 and 100+ as if they are all in the same bracket with the same circumstances, needs and wants. We must strive to not over generalise and must think diversely, critically, and positively about ageing and the effects on the individual, particularly where multiple deficits are prevalent (intersectionality).

Strategic Action

It is important that a strategic perspective is taken to addressing age discrimination. The following should be considered:

Age Friendly Communities – in developing AFCs across Wales, ageism must be tackled using all of the 8 WHO Domains

Cross cutting policies – National and local policies are required but must recognise the “inter relatedness” of many aspects that impacts on older people.

Human Rights should be integrated with the age discrimination agenda to make ageing in Wales less “unequal” and end the unacceptable inequalities.

Intergenerational solidarity must be driven through a new strategy that builds on the strengths between the old and young and ends the tensions being promoted by some.

Political Commitment – the prospect of coalition in Government in Wales provides an opportunity to secure cross party commitment for improving and prioritising responses to ageism.

Memorandum of Agreement between Welsh Government and Councils, Health Boards, public bodies to eradicate age discrimination in Wales by 2030

Strengthen Welsh Laws – reconsider the need for specific primary and secondary legislation to enforce rules on ageism.

Research Increase the level of funding for age-related research in Wales (currently only 3% of Uk total)

Media Representation

Older people are often depicted in the media as dependent or out of touch, frail forgetful, technologically challenged. It encompasses both words and pictures. This is reinforcing negative stereotypes. undermining older people’s strengths and experiences. Ageism like this erodes older peoples’ self-esteem and self-worth. When society devalues and marginalizes us based solely on our age it is denying and diminishing the needs of future cohorts of older people. Further dialogue with media professionals about ageism is needed and training provided so that they better understand what ageism is and the serious impacts it has. This has been addressed positively for race, women, disability so why cannot age be included too?

Workplace Ageism

Ageism in employment can have significant implications for older people. If we experience age discrimination, we may face difficulties in finding new jobs or may be forced into early retirement. This can result in reduced income, depleted savings, and increased financial insecurity in later life and creates future pensioners in poverty. A recent research report set out the issues well. https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/diversity-and-equality-inclusion/new-global-study-reveals-persistent-age-discrimination-workplace/ The Chair of the research company said, “Our findings clearly reveal a gap between what organisations say about diversity and inclusion and how they behave toward older workers in practice.” As a first step, we need our public organisations in Wales to lead by example and openly commit to end ageism in the workplace, especially in recruitment, training, career development, retention, and retirement.

Health and Social Care

Ageist assumptions in the NHS can result in older patients receiving inadequate care. We may be undertreated, have our symptoms dismissed as a natural part of ageing, or experience a lack of access to certain treatments. Greater transparency is need about the age limits for regular testing. In my experience of caring for my late mother, getting a written dementia assessment proved impossible despite 3 doctors telling me she had dementia. More overt examples of ageism in hospitals and care homes such as in toileting and feeding must be avoided. More awareness raising and training is needed across the NHS.

Ageism is also prevalent in Social Care. The British Society of Gerontology Special Interest Group on Ageism is looking in depth at this. Ageism in social care covers issues such as fewer resources for older people per person than other client groups, “menu driven” services not real personalisation choice and control as promised, safeguarding outweighing wellbeing, lack of consideration of contribution and participation (as in the Social Care and Well-being Act 2014), fewer direct payments, support for self-funders (see 2014 Act) not available. The reform programme for social care in England and Wales must address these and other inequalities strongly.

Inclusive communities

Apps for parking cars, on-line only ticket purchases, closing banks and shops in favour of on-line access, online appointment booking, an increasingly cashless society are all examples of ageism in society that causes difficulties and distress in the lives of older people and leave them behind. Working with the private sector, Government at all levels should using their powers and position to address these issues.

Digital Exclusion and Digital Ageism

There are a number of barriers for older people (and others) in our digital world that must be tackled. Some of the potential solutions are:

Information and advice – ensuring that access is not just on-line, and older people can have “hard copies,” as well as face to face access to help when needed.
“Intergenerational Solidarity – collaborating with pupils and students who mentor older people in learning IT skills, social media.
Community Hubs help and advice available locally with support for those who are new online users or those wishing to learn about getting online.

Isolation and Loneliness – early identification of need, provide IT help and loan schemes or ‘try before you buy’ schemes with tablets ensuring that cost is not a prohibitive factor.

Training should assess ability and provide tailored training to individuals, securing their online safety.

As recently highlighted by the Commissioner, Digital Agesim is an under considered issue that blights the lives of many older people who use digital devices but are not confident and are marginally included. While the fast-changing reach of technology has many benefits, its design and development “creates barriers to older people across a range of areas …. often as a result of poorly designed platforms and systems that assume digital literacy and are designed with younger users in mind.”

A new campaign aimed at “big business” and government is needed to raise awareness of digital ageism.

Conclusions

Whilst acknowledging the positive steps forward recently, I have to say that there is still a long way to go to achieve meaningful change and to get parity and seriousness of understanding and impact with the treatment of other isms in Society. However, by challenging stereotypes, enforcing fair policies, and fostering intergenerational respect, society can unlock the benefits of longer lives. A future without ageism is not only fairer – but it also makes economic sense, it’s healthier, and makes for a more cohesive country. This article provides an overview of the ageism agenda but others to follow in the next few months will elaborate on key aspects that require action.