Helen Mirren, 71, slaps down ageism in the UK and vows to ‘change’ and improve experiences: ‘Upsetting and unfair’
Dame Helen Mirren, the 79-year-old actress and Age UK ambassador, has spoken out against ageism, calling it “upsetting and unfair”.
Her comments come in response to new research from the charity, which suggests that a third of over-65s in England have experienced age-based discrimination.
The Oscar-winning star emphasised the need for change in how society treats older people, after Age UK’s recent report which indicates that millions of elderly Britons have faced negative experiences due to their age, ranging from disrespect to threats.
Mirren said: “Ageing happens to us all but, as we get older, life can get tougher. Many will start to be treated differently, which can not only be very upsetting but also unfair.”
She also emphasised the importance of inclusivity and respecting older individuals, adding: “Everybody, regardless of their age, should feel included and valued and that is what Age UK is striving to achieve.”
The actress went on to call for urgent action, noting: “This is an ambitious but truly important challenge, as things need to change and it’s in all our interests to ensure that older people are respected and treated as the individuals that they are.”
Age UK’s analysis, based on the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, suggests that around 6.1 million people aged 50 and over in England have faced ageism.
It also reported that by 2040, over 40 per cent of the UK population will be aged 50 or older, with more than five million aged 80 or above.
The research also revealed intersecting forms of discrimination, with around one in six women aged 50 or older reported facing sexism, while more than half of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in this age category had endured racial or religious discrimination.
Age UK’s findings paint a concerning picture of widespread ageism in Britain, with the charity warning that despite a rapidly ageing population, discriminatory attitudes persist.
Paul Farmer, Age UK’s Chief Executive, said: “Society can play a huge role in how we view ageing and older people in our communities and consequently how we feel about our own ageing when our turn comes.”
Britain’s demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for British society, leaving the charity to highlight “big inequalities” in UK pensioner incomes, with 82 per cent surviving on minimum incomes or living in poverty.
Age UK has criticised the Government’s plan to restrict Winter Fuel Payments, warning that 2.5 million pensioners will struggle financially as a result.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, argued: “Our country stands to benefit too, given how readily we seem to ‘write off’ the enormous contributions people make in their fifties, sixties and beyond.”
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The charity is calling for a multi-faceted approach to tackle ageism, which includes changing societal attitudes, addressing poverty and inequality, and ensuring older people’s health and social care needs are fully met.