UN publishes its first ever Global Report on Ageism

Developed by WHO, OHCHR, UNDESA, and UNFPA, this report presents the latest evidence on a topic that has greater relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic. It points out that ageism leads to poorer health, social isolation, earlier deaths and cost economies billions. The report calls for swift action to implement effective anti-ageism strategies.

The report notes that policies and laws that address ageism, educational activities that enhance empathy and dispel misconceptions, and intergenerational activities that reduce prejudice all help decrease ageism. All countries and stakeholders are encouraged to use evidence-based strategies, improve data collection and research and work together to build a movement to change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing, and to advance progress on the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.