Member-only story
Ageism is a Global Issue
Why the WHO just started a global campaign to combat ageism
Who would think that WHO (the World Health Organization) would launch something called the “Global Campaign to Combat Ageism”? But they just did, stating this compelling reason:
“Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Ageism is pervasive and has profound negative consequences on older adults’ health and wellbeing. We need to act now to improve the lives of people everywhere. In response to a call from Member States, WHO is leading and working with other stakeholders on a Global Campaign to Combat Ageism that aims to build a world for all ages by changing the way we think, feel and act towards age and ageing.”
In WHO’s 200-plus Global Report on Ageism, the organization reports, “Globally, one in two people are ageist against older people.” WHO says “Ageism has serious and far-reaching consequences for people’s health, well-being and human rights. For older people, ageism is associated with a shorter lifespan, poorer physical and mental health, slower recovery from disability and cognitive decline. Ageism reduces older people’s quality of life, increases their social isolation and loneliness (both of which are associated with serious health problems), restricts their ability to express their…
