Ageism is 'the most socially-ingrained discrimination,' says B.C. advocate

Ageism is one of the most pervasive forms of discrimination — and a lot of people are guilty of it, according to a seniors advocate.

October 1 marks the UN's International Day of Older Persons, a day that celebrates the contributions of the elderly members of society and raises awareness about their afflictions.

B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel MacKenzie says ageism — a form of discrimination based on age — is one of many issues that affect seniors worldwide.

"We find ourselves still with a very pervasive discrimination — sometimes based on a very benign kindness," she said to host Gloria Macarenko on CBC's B.C. Almanac.

It can be as simple as complimenting a senior for going to the gym everyday.

"When we make those statements, we're signaling that we are thinking about [them] differently," she said.

According to the Revera Report on Ageism, nearly two-thirds of Canadian seniors 66 years of age and older say they have been treated unfairly or differently because of their age.

Mackenzie says it's one of the most socially-ingrained forms of discrimination, and it can be demeaning.

"I think what we have to be careful of is that we don't erode either somebody's sense of dignity, their sense of independence or their actual independence because we ascribe to them an infirmity based on their age," said MacKenzie.

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Age is More

British Columbia is considered the province with the oldest population in Canada. Over the weekend in Vancouver, several events are aiming to empower local seniors and raise awareness against ageism in the province.

One of them is the youth-led Age is More program, which looks to bridge the gap between youth and the elderly through a series of short films based on the lives of local seniors, shot by young filmmakers.

Jean Begg, 88, is one of the characters featured in the project.

"I think [all elderly people] should be viewed with compassion and care and interest," she said, adding that the program was a great opportunity for her to engage with youth,

"It was great fun. I love the couple I was with, and we had good conversations — and I was fascinated to see the results of the film too."

Age is More will showcase several films at the Crofton Manor Retirement Community.

With files from CBC's BC Almanac

To listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled: Ageism is one of the most pervasive forms of discrimination, according to seniors advocate