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Details: Published: 03 December 2024

promo image ipsos report 2024 A new study commissioned by the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) exposes a critical need to combat ageism in Canada and improve understanding among Canadians about the threat it poses to our health, economy, and social fabric.

The survey of 1000 Canadian adults over 25, conducted by Ipsos, reveals that:

While 54% of Canadians are familiar with the concept of ageism, 87% fail to grasp its widespread prevalence. With nearly half of the global population harbouring ageist attitudes, this lack of awareness of the issue is deeply alarming.
64% of Canadians acknowledge that feelings of age discrimination harm mental and physical health.
Meanwhile, 42% express anxiety about aging themselves, and 31% report experiencing self-ageism, such as negative feelings about their own aging.
Just 44% of Canadians agree that ageism has a negative economic toll, underscoring the need to raise awareness about its far-reaching societal and financial impacts.

The World Health Organization defines ageism as stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age – manifesting itself in everyday interactions, biased policies and systems, and ‘self-ageism’ (internalized negativity about one’s own aging). Widespread ageist attitudes harm health, stifle potential, and erode the dignity of seniors in our communities.

The CCAA, with the International Longevity Centre-Canada and other partners, hosted a Canadian Institutes of Health Research-sponsored Ageism Forum in June 2024 in Ottawa, presenting actionable solutions to this pervasive issue.

Health Care Must Change: Ageism leads to older persons being dismissed, ignored, or receiving substandard care. Addressing these biases ensures that age does not determine the quality of care received.
Education is Critical: Teaching about ageism in schools, workplaces, and health care is one of the most effective strategies for change.
Intergenerational Connection: Programs fostering relationships between younger and older persons reduce stereotypes and promote understanding.
Nothing About Us Without Us: Older persons must be central to decision-making and research. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights that drive meaningful change.

Together, we can create a Canada where everyone lives with dignity, respect, and opportunity. Visit the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism website to learn more.

To access the Ipsos poll results please visit: https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/public-opinion-on-awareness-of-ageism-in-Canada-2024

To access the full Ageism Report in English or French please visit:

About International Longevity Centre Canada
International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC-C) is a registered, independent, nonprofit non-governmental organization, which uses a human rights lens to approach all its work, including knowledge development and exchange, recommending evidence-based policies, social mobilization, and networking. ILC-C’s mission is to propose ideas and guidance for policies addressing population aging based on international and domestic research and practice with a view to bettering the lives of Canadians.

About the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism
The Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) is a nation-wide social change movementto eliminate ageism against older persons while protecting and strengthening their human rights. CCAA’s vision is a Canada free of ageism. Guided by the leadership of ILC-C, the Coalition has forged partnerships with 14 prominent Canadian non-governmental organizations. The CCAA advocates for laws, policies and practices that support the human rights of older adults, including a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

About Ipsos
Ipsos is the world’s third-largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.Their passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Ipsos serves more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

About the Study
This Ipsos poll was conducted from September 25th to 30th, 2024, with a sample of 1,000 Canadians aged 25+. Results are accurate to within ±3.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadians been polled. The credibility will be wider among subsets of the population.

Details: Published: 03 October 2024

KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation is launching a new course for older people aimed at teaching scam recognition through real-life examples.

knowledgeflowcybersafetyfoundationlogo Designed by seniors for seniors, Project KnowledgeNet is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing the impact of cyber fraud and online scams. Through advanced training technology featuring real-life scenarios and interactive learning tools, the course will prepare seniors to recognize and respond to digital threats effectively. Project KnowledgeNet will implement the latest AI technology to mimic real life email scenarios and test recognition of the phishing simulations and other types of online fraud.

Project Objectives

Prevent Cybercrime Victimization: Equip seniors with essential skills to secure personal devices and information.
Detect Cyber Threats: Highlight the sophistication of modern phishing scams and the importance of recognizing these threats.
Respond to Cyber Frauds and Privacy Invasions: With fraud against seniors at an all-time high, we focus on empowering you to understand and assert you privacy rights and report incidents of cyber fraud.

This online self-paced course covers critical areas of cybersafety including:
- Device and Connection Security: Techniques to safeguard your technology.
- Personal Information Protection: Strategies to protect your personal details and accounts.
- Privacy Rights and Obligations: Insights into legal protections against cyber threats.
- Recognition and Reporting of Scams: Skills to identify scams and take action in case of fraud.
Each module connects theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world examples, making learning relatable and effective.

Register to join this Interactive Scam Spotting Email Course and complete it at your own pace – it will take about an hour in total.

Project KnowledgeNet is funded in part by the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), a federal grants and contributions program that aims to improve the lives of senior communities.

Read the full media release here

Details: Published: 17 September 2024

A series of all ages events for older adults and seniors

Onmyplanet.ca and MediaNet / FLUX Media Gallery are proud to present this series of community discussion events about activism, inclusion and DIY community building, guided by the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults (55+).The series of events will take place on:

Saturday Sept. 28th, 2024 11am-3pm at The James Bay Community School 140 Oswego St.Victoria, BC
Saturday Oct. 26th, 2024 11am-3pm at The James Bay Community School 140 Oswego St.Victoria, BC
Sunday Dec. 1st, 2024 11am-3pm at The Oaklands Community Centre #1 - 2827 Belmont Ave.Victoria, BC

As part of the Allies in Action Event Series, Onmyplanet.ca is compiling a list of 2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Service Providers for Seniors in Victoria. If you would like to get your organization on the list, or if you’d like to have an information table at any of the Allies in Action Events, please fill out this registration form.

For more details and to register for these events, visit: https://onmyplanet.ca/allies-in-action-page/.

aia poster vertical

Details: Published: 14 August 2024

Article reposted from Help Age International

In a momentous decision yesterday, August 13th, the United Nations member states adopted a significant resolution which will pave the way for a UN process to establish an international, legally binding instrument – a convention – to safeguard the human rights of older people.

This concludes the extensive work of the Open-ended working group on ageing (OEWGA) as the work passes on to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. This marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the protection of the human rights of older people globally.

14 years towards recognition

Established 14 years ago in New York, the OEWGA was tasked with scrutinising existing international human rights frameworks for older people. Its mandate included identifying gaps within this framework and proposing effective measures to address them.

After 14 long years, the OEWGA presented its recommendations, with one of the most noteworthy being the proposal for an international, legally binding instrument dedicated to safeguarding the rights of older people.

Going forward, this resolution will be presented for further consideration at the UN General Assembly in September. Member States will vote on whether the Human Rights Council should continue these discussions and start drafting a UN convention on the rights of older persons without further delay.

Key highlights of the resolution

The resolution acknowledges the comprehensive recommendations submitted by the OEWGA and urges pertinent UN bodies to give them further consideration.

Central to these recommendations is the initiation of processes to draft a UN convention on the rights of older persons. Such a convention would serve as a robust legal framework, ensuring that older people worldwide are accorded the dignity, respect, and protection they inherently deserve.

Next steps

The passing of this resolution marks the start of a critical new phase in our advocacy for older people’s rights. To keep the momentum going, we must:

Engage with governments: Continue and strengthen dialogue with national governments to ensure they support the drafting of a UN convention.
Collaborate with civil society: Work closely with civil society organisations to amplify our voices and prioritise older people’s needs in the convention process.
Raise awareness: Increase public understanding of the importance of protecting older people’s rights and the impact a UN convention could have.
Ensure inclusion: Guarantee that older people and their representatives are meaningfully involved in all discussions and decisions.

Looking ahead

This a pivotal moment, where the choices made in the coming months will define the future for future generations of older people. It is imperative that the momentum is sustained, ensuring that the voices and experiences of older people remain central to this process.

HelpAge International extends its heartfelt gratitude to all members of the HelpAge global network and other dedicated allies, especially the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP). Their persistent advocacy has been pivotal in reaching this milestone.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with global partners, UN bodies, and older people themselves to realise the ambition of a comprehensive UN Convention. Together, we aspire to build a world where the rights of older people are not only recognised but protected.

Details: Published: 14 August 2024

Are you an adult aged 65+ who has been targeted and/or victimized by fraud? If so, you are invited to participate in a study conducted by Dr. Joshua Wyman of King’s University College and Lyndsay Woolridge of the Ontario Provincial Police. The details of the research are as follows: