I Say No To Ageism” campaign launched by Minister Fergus O Dowd on Tuesday June 5th 2012 at the Equality Authority, 2, Clonmel Street, Dublin 2 at 11.30am.
The 9th Say No To Ageism Week is being launched today by Minister of State Fergus O Dowd TD who represent Louth, Ireland’s age friendly county. The week is the Equality Authority’s contribution to this EU Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.
“So much can be achieved when a negative attitude is changed to a positive. Combating ageism doesn’t necessarily cost money, it just takes us a moment to reflect on why or how we might see age as a ‘qualification’ to participate in our society. Is this fair? Age is one of the nine grounds protected from discrimination in employment and in the provision of goods and services under Irish equality legislation” stated Equality Authority Vice Chairperson, Christy Lynch at the launch today.
“Age is a ground that has a ‘boomerang effect’. Young people experience ageism – through the negative stereotype that alleges they all behave exactly in the same and often negative way? We know this is not the case. Then, as we advance into adulthood, we get some ‘time off’ from being the victims of ageism. Just when we feel all is good, we enter into another age cohort where ageism can boomerang back at us in our later years. That is why it is important to Say No To Ageism no matter what age you are today” continued Mr Lynch.
“We tackle this issue as one which if left unaddressed today, may result in a further negative experience later in life or for the young people we care for. That is why the Equality Authority uses this time of the year to remind people that changing ageism begins in a personal understanding of age. Think of the many areas you might use age as a judgement call and see if it is really valid? Take a positive stand and reject ageism by joining the campaign this week” he concluded.
Supporting the campaign, Paschal Moynihan, Specialist Older People Services in HSE West added “Growing older brings many opportunities but, as with any stage in life, also presents challenges, none more so than how ageing is viewed and responded to by society. If the response and attitudes are negative, this can have a harmful impact on an older person’s expectations and self-worth.
Ageism has significant effects on older people. The stereotyping of older people by language, behaviour, policies and practices affects their self-esteem, and they may start to perceive themselves in the same way that others in society see them, eroding their confidence and limiting their potential. Sadly, it also deprives society of the benefit of the skills, knowledge and experience that many older people have accumulated.
Initiatives for the week include an online dvd discussing attitudes to ageism and a viral message being circulated to many key employments today, a seminar in Dublin Castle on Wednesday June 6th on Age and the Insurance sector, and an advertising campaign supported by public transport providers and public awareness initiatives throughout the HSE.
This is the ninth year of the initiative, co-funded in 2012 by the European Union under the PROGRESS Programme 2007-2013 and the Equality Authority. Saying NO To Ageism has many benefits to an inclusive society.
Ends June 5th 2012
Say No To Ageism Week 2012:
Watch our ‘Discussing Ageism’ dvd on http://vimeo.com/43244260?dnt=1
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Say-No-To-Ageism/119327468097995
https://twitter.com/#!/SayNoToAgeism
Ageism and Insurance Conference, Dublin Castle June 6th
Advertisements on Public Transport sites and in HSE premises
Posters and booklet available to download at www.equality.ie