Age discrimination is experienced in various ways, both directly and indirectly, and can take the form of legal or policy barriers, stereotypes, prejudice or harassment. It can be experienced as an individual or directed at a group. This presents a huge challenge for older people and it is at the root of many of the problems they face. They have to deal with challenges driven by negative imaging and stereotyping, and assumptions about their economic potential, productivity, skills, and income needs.

Such negative perceptions fail to acknowledge the enormous cultural, social and professional resource represented by older people and are unacceptable in the 21st century.

Age discrimination takes place in all spheres of life and policy developments in diverse areas need to be better coordinated to develop an accurate understanding of what demographic change means in order to support the right policy responses promoting intergenerational fairness and solidarity.

With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union provides a legal framework for ensuring the whole range of civil, political, economic and social rights of European citizens.

Contact person: Rachel Buchanan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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