What is ageism?
Ageism is the stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.
Negative attitudes about older people stem from myths about aging, the aging process and being old. This wide range of negative attitudes prevents accurate assessment and response to social conditions and challenges. We can see that ageism leads to discriminatory practices in housing, health, employment, transportation and services. Negative attitudes and beliefs harm. To deny or provide a lesser quality of life based on someone’s age is abuse. Age should not define one’s health and well-being.
Alberta Council on Aging works to bring awareness to ageism through education, public presentations, and collaboration with other organizations. We facilitate and implement programs to help others better understand ageism and the detrimental impact it has on society and the well-being of older adults.
Get Involved
Alberta Council on Aging offers presentations on Ageism. For more information, please connect with us.
Sample presentation slides below.
Resources
World Health Organization: Ageism
Government of Canada “What we heard” report on the social and economic impacts of ageism in Canada
United Nations Principles for Older Persons
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council