Ageism is a form of prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s chronological or perceived age.  Robert Butler created this term in 1969. Ageism often manifests through stereotypes, exclusionary practices, and other acts of discrimination.  Age discrimination is often institutionalized by rules and policies that are built on ageist stereotypes and serve to limit opportunities based on age.

The term is most frequently used referring to age discrimination directed at elders, although ageism can be directed at different age groups. When describing the systematic exclusion or discrimination against youth by adults the practice is often labelled “adultism.”

Further details about ageism and age discrimination is available here from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.  

Details from the Canadian Human Rights Commission on mandatory retirement and age discrimination can be found here.  

Find more information about activism on this issue from CARP, a Canadian advocacy organization that works to promote freedom from ageism.

Fighting for pensions

A huge factor in ageism is the idea that once people reach a certain age, they lose their value to society. This is obviously not true, but makes it easy for governments and corporations to cut pensions and raise the retirement age. Folks are fighting back for retirement security. Check out the Canadian Labour Congress campaign around retiree rights.