A survey on ageism has recently been launched in B.C. by the BC Seniors Advocate which is asking people to share their perceptions and experiences on ageism to better understand how this is impacting British Columbia seniors personally.
“Seniors have told us they’re struggling with the cost-of-living, affordable housing, accessing health care, aging in place and other issues that arise as they grow older,” said BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt. “I’m interested in learning more about the extent to which ageism may be a factor in some of these challenges. The information we receive will help guide our office’s next steps and future work in this area.”
Levitt is known for his dedication for seniors rights in B.C. with three decades of experience at the provincial, national and international levels. In January of 2024 Levitt was appointed by the provincial Ministry of Health under the direction of Adrian Dix, minister of health, who stated, “Dan Levitt has championed the rights of seniors for 30 years and with his extensive experience he is an excellent choice for B.C.’s seniors advocate. Isobel Mackenzie became the first seniors advocate in Canada and we thank her for being a powerful, impactful voice. With Mr. Levitt, government will continue to work collaboratively to help seniors throughout the province to live their healthiest, happiest lives.”
The office of the Seniors Advocate is hosting a short survey that is available online or in a printable copy available upon request until Dec. 13, 2024.
“Seniors are the backbone of our communities and undertake immense amounts of volunteering, caring for grandchildren and others, and make significant contributions in the lives of others every day. However, ageism frames growing older as a state of decline, frailty or dependency, rather than one that celebrates experience, knowledge and continued potential,” said Levitt. “Ageism can impact an older person’s self-worth, independence, safety, mental and physical health, social life and even financial well-being.”
The Seniors Advocate office notes that age discrimination is "noticed most often in the workplace" and also via "exclusion in social situations. Additionally, in society through age-related jokes, insults, making decisions for, instead of with, older people, through stereotyping in advertising, movies or media and by abuse through fraud or being denied care. Many seniors today are reporting they feel dismissed and invisible.
“Ageism is often referred to as the last socially-acceptable form of prejudice – and we want to change that,” said Levitt. “Seniors deserve to be recognized for their abilities and experiences, and not have their age in years be the measure of their value.”
The Seniors Advocate is inviting seniors to participate in the 'Ageism Survey' prior to Dec. 13 online at: https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/topics/ageism-survey/
The first Ageism Awareness Day in B.C. was held on Oct. 9 to "to amplify a growing global movement highlighting the existence and impacts of ageism," according to the office of the Seniors Advocate. In 2024, awareness days were observed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and elsewhere. "Seniors deserve to be recognized for their abilities, and not have their age in years be the measure of their value,” said Levitt.
The Office of the Seniors Advocate is an independent office of the provincial government with a mandate of monitoring seniors’ services and reporting on systemic issues affecting seniors. The office also provides information and referral to seniors and their caregivers by calling toll-free 1 877 952-3181, BC211, via email at info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca, Canada Post and seniorsadvocatebc.ca.
