Public commentary during the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed “ageist attitudes”, a Galway charity which works with older people has said. In a statement in advance of the publication of its annual report, the charity said: “Some public commentary during this time has revealed ageist attitudes, inappropriately biased language and ageist terms within certain contexts.”Cope Galway saw a 20 per cent spike in demand for its services last year, assisting 2,984 people. We want to change the narrative, to flip the script and to focus on the invaluable support and contribution older people offer”. “As a global society, there are more and more of us experiencing the privilege of ageing. By 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 22 per cent of our global population will be over 60… achieving equal access to healthy ageing requires concerted global, national and local action – and a decisive end to ageist attitudes.”

Source: The Irish Times June 28, 2020 10:07 UTC