Tag: ageism

Top March event Sport Relief 2016 discovered Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em still

Simple Life Reunion 2057
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Sports Relief 2016 gave a platform for Michael Crawford to reprise his Frank Spencer character last played on TV 42 years ago.With an hilarious ten minute sketch Frank has several hair raising adventures on bicycle or roller skates in his typical physical comedy style.Although the sketch was widely acclaimed much comment has been made about the fact that Michael Crawford is 74 years old and, of course,considered to be a pensioner.What’s he doing all this for at his age? Many might say :Is he up to it?Wasn’t it all a long time ago when the series he starred in finished?

Apparently, this sketch was to be a ‘one-off’ in aid of charity.It took many weeks to bring to the screen.Michael might be a little stung by the age remarks.It seems he is not concerned.As in his earlier career, he did all his own stunts.Which brings us nicely to a wonderful web page featuring other senior people acting in most unexpected ways. Is it not time that the ‘old person’ stereotype was buried once and for all? Times they are a changing in our senior classes.Many people are not settling for retirement from life.They are embracing later life with both hands,working enthusiastically at remaining fitter for longer, and enjoying active and fulfilling lives.

So do spend a few moments here being entertained and amazed by a veritable ‘troupe’ of impressive people who are destroying age stereotypes.

Oh…and you can still donate to Sport Relief 2016 to support its work on projects for people in essential need in many places around the world.

 

 

 

Why this is no age to retire

 

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dollarphotoclub

Today, one in six of the UK population is aged 65 or over.

Until quite recently people of a certain age felt defined by what passed as appropriate for their parents, and their forebears. This earlier attitude, bringing with it all things ageism, was reinforced by a lower life expectancy, and by the many legal and social rules in our society which dictated what should or should not be done at certain times in life, particularly in later life. This was no less apparent than Continue reading “Why this is no age to retire”

As you grow older have you become invisible in your own community?

Have things changed significantly for you as you have grown older? Perhaps you have noticed how once when your hair was not so grey or white, or you walked with less of a limp, or without the the use of a walking stick, that people were more prepared to stop and take time to listen to you. They  would offer you the common curtesies of a valued member of society.

A recent report in the Daily mail says that: ‘The elderly believe they have become invisible in Britain’s youth-obsessed society with more than half feeling ignored, a survey revealed yesterday.

They fear being sidelined  despite embracing modern  technology such as surfing  the web and going on Facebook and Twitter.

Pensioners claim that their opinion is never solicited, nothing on TV  and radio is made for them and that they are written off by and ridiculed by society.

As the report says,although many people are living much longer and enjoying active and fulfilling lives as never before, there are many who still feel marginalised merely because they are stereotyped as older people and of low value.
So what do you think? I would like to hear from you. Maybe you feel angry about this; or you may feel of such low self esteem now that you appear not to have anything  more to contribute to society. Well, we’d like to prove to you that you are wrong to feel this way by sharing of a wide range of views. This can be of great benefit to many.

Age discrimination in the workplace

Continuing the theme of the previous post, my accountants at Dufton Kellner report in their January newsletter:

“Ageism in the workplace is particularly topical this year, with the high profile case of Miriam O’Reilly highlighting some of the issues. In January 2011, Miriam O’Reilly successfully won an employment tribunal on the grounds of ageism after she was ‘axed’ from her job as a presenter on ‘Countryfile’, along with three other women, all over the age of 40.

“Commenting on the outcome of the case, Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

‘The outcome of this high profile case sends out a powerful signal that even in the youth-worshipping world of show business, age discrimination can be withstood. The idea that wrinkles or grey hair can sound the death knell for the careers of female TV presenters is beyond appalling, especially in a country where over a third of the population is aged 50 and over.’

Dufton Kellner : “To read relevant guidance for both employers and employees visit

Internet links: Age UK comment Acas website.“

Older people urged to fight ageism

Celebrate older age – and fight ageism!
on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 seniorsdiscounts.com reported:

Age Uk is the new Age Concern and Help the Aged – a combined force that diligently does its homework. New research, The polling for Age UK by YouGov has revealed that 95 per cent of people over 60 strongly believed that they should celebrate older age, but 78 per cent felt ignored and excluded from society. Additionally, 82 per cent felt that older people were not heeded as much as younger people – this is due partly to the fact that working people’s voices are heard more than those of the retired, as believed by 64 per cent of respondents. 46 per cent felt that it was most important to be treated with respect and dignity, 34 per cent prioritised opportunities to learn new hobbies and 32 per cent said the provision of frequent and accessible public transport would enhance their lives.

Charity Director for Age UK Michelle Mitchell said: “As a group within society, people in later life often feel ignored, and this research clearly demonstrates how this is a reality experienced by the majority. Ageing can present many challenges, particularly for those experiencing disadvantage. Age UK campaigns and provides services and solutions to help improve later life.”

Age UK is to launch a new television advertising campaign aimed at a wide audience to promote public awareness of how it can help, its services and products and how it can be contacted, together with this recent research on ageing. The organisation is calling upon older people all over the country to tell others about their own inspiring stories of achievement. This is part of the organisation’s mission to improve the quality of later life for everyone and the aim is to dispel and to challenge some of the myths and stereotypes about older age.

The campaign is led by Diana Moran the Green Goddess a 70-year-old model who said: “I am an extremely active 70-year-old and make a very valuable contribution to society. I am happy to help highlight the search to find stories of other people doing remarkable things and celebrating the joy of later life.”

Ms Mitchell emphasised the organisation’s beliefs that “an ageing society presents tremendous opportunities that should rightly be celebrated, and it is heartening to see that this is a belief held by such a high percentage of those polled.” Telling such inspiring stories is one means of celebrating later life and, she said, is a first step in making older people’s voices heard “loud and clear.” Stories can be sent to [email protected].

For further reports and articles on similar or related topics as the above you should go to seniorsdiscountsco.uk