Ageism in Britain

Ageism in Britain 2006

In 2006 we repeated a survey that took place in 2004 (see below - How Ageist is Britain?). The results can be found in the briefing that can be downloaded from the top right hand side of this page.

Early indicators of change: 2004 to 2006:

Young people thought youth ended earlier (33) that they did in 2004 (38).
More people thought that equal opportunities in employment for older people had not gone far enough.
Ageism was perceived as a more serious issue.

How Ageist is Britain?

This report explores the nature and prevalence of prejudice and discrimination about age and ageing.

In autumn 2004 we undertook a comprehensive research programme in partnership with the University of Kent. Using a nationally representative sample of adults aged 16+‚ detailed interviews were conducted with almost 2000 people.

Main findings include:

More people (29%) reported suffering age discrimination than any other form of discrimination
From age 55 onwards‚ people were nearly twice as likely to have experienced age prejudice than any other form of discrimination
Nearly 30% of people believed there is more prejudice against the old than five years ago‚ and that this will continue to get worse
One third of people thought that the demographic shift towards an older society would make life worse in terms of standards of living‚ security‚ health‚ jobs and education
One in three respondents said they viewed the over 70s as incompetent and incapable.

Read this report

Download this report for free below.