The Women and Equalities Committee has opened a new inquiry into the rights of older people, investigating whether stereotypes and age discrimination are preventing them from fully participating in different aspects of society.
Inquiry will look at issues faced by older people
The inquiry will gather input from older individuals, experts and advocacy groups to better understand the challenges they encounter. Additionally, it will assess how well the government is addressing these challenges and whether the current framework adequately protects the rights of older citizens, including in legislation
Census shows an ageing population
The 2021 census revealed a clear and growing trend: there are more and more people aged 65 and older in the United Kingdom. In 2021, over 11 million individuals fell into this age group, making up 18.6% of the total population. This is a significant increase from the 16.4% seen a decade ago.
Championing older individual’s rights
Caroline Nokes, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, highlighted the challenges faced by older individuals, including digital exclusion and job market access barriers. The committee's inquiry will focus on addressing age-related stereotypes and discrimination, ensuring equal rights for older people. She noted the absence of an equivalent authority for older people, like the Children's Commissioner in England.
Ageist stereotyping and discrimination among terms of reference
The Women and Equalities Committee invites written submissions here until Tuesday, 31st October 2023, addressing the following key questions:
Digital exclusion: What measures are necessary to prevent digital exclusion among older individuals; and in which specific areas is this digital exclusion a distinct issue?
Championing older people’s rights: Are the rights of older individuals adequately protected within equality law, including considerations of justifiable direct age discrimination and age-related exemptions for financial services? To what extent are the needs and rights of older people integrated into government policymaking? If they are not, what steps should be taken, and can we draw from national and international examples of best practices?
Intersectionality: How does the concept of "intersectionality," which considers factors such as sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability status, alongside age, affect older individuals, necessitating distinct policy responses?
Stereotyping and discrimination: To what extent is ageist stereotyping and discrimination prevalent? What are the various forms it takes, and in which areas is it most pervasive? What is the impact of these prejudices on older individuals, and how can they be effectively challenged?
Labour market access: What additional measures are required to support older individuals who wish to extend their participation in the workforce?