Age-based prejudice and discrimination are widespread all over the world, affecting millions of older and young people trying to work and get health care, the UN report said.

“Ageism harms everyone – old and young. But often, it is so widespread and accepted – in our attitudes and in policies, laws and institutions – that we do not even recognize its detrimental effect on our dignity”, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said. 

The 202-page report says the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how widespread age discrimination is based on stereotypes in public discourse and on social media, in some cases age has been used as the only criterion for accessing health care and saving lives. methods of treatment.

As countries seek to recover from the pandemic, people of all ages will continue to face various forms of discrimination, the heads of four UN bodies noted.

According to the report, age-based health rationing is widespread. In 85% of 149 studies, the age determined who received certain medical procedures or treatments.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted the need to root out such stereotypes and discrimination as the world emerges from the crisis. 

“As countries seek to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, we cannot let age-based stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination limit opportunities to secure the health, well-being and dignity of people everywhere”, Dr. Tedros said. 

The report said that both older and younger people are often at a disadvantage in the workplace, and access to specialized training and education declines significantly with age. Young people also face discrimination in employment, health care, housing, and politics. Negative age stereotypes and self-esteem have resulted in excessive annual costs of $ 63 billion.