Office of the Seniors Advocate
2025-Mar-26

In November and December 2024, the Office of the Seniors Advocate launched a survey and asked British Columbians of all ages to share their perceptions and experiences with ageism, and whether it has impacted their lives.

The survey found 84% of 9,200 respondents believe ageism in an issue in B.C. and 54% reported being directly impacted by ageism.

This report summarizes the feedback through five themes: social inclusion, employment, health care, the media, and safety, and includes the experiences shared by British Columbians.

Ageism and ageist attitudes are noticed most often in the workplace, exclusion in social situations and many older people report feeling dismissed and invisible.

The report suggests some next steps for individuals, organizations and governments to begin to address ageism including:

• Increasing public awareness and education and working to dispel negative stereotypes;

• Encouraging all levels of government to ensure laws and policies protect and enable older people to live in dignity and security;

• Implementing education and training to ensure health care providers are promoting age-inclusive practices; and

• Creating opportunities for positive inter-generational activities and programs to increase understanding between people of all ages.

Read the Report

Read the News Release