‘I find it quite insulting’: Nova Scotia seniors fight back against ageism – CBC

Report on Ageism in Nova Scotia and its Contradiction to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Ageism as a Barrier to Sustainable Development

A pervasive form of discrimination, ageism, is fundamentally undermining progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nova Scotia. This prejudice, based on age-related stereotypes, creates systemic barriers that impact the well-being, economic security, and social inclusion of older adults. According to Bill VanGorder, advocacy director for the Nova Scotia chapter of CARP, ageism remains a socially acceptable form of discrimination, directly challenging the core SDG principle of “leaving no one behind.” This report analyzes the manifestations of ageism in the province and its direct conflict with key global development targets.

2.0 Manifestations of Ageism and SDG Implications

Ageism presents in multiple forms, each impeding specific Sustainable Development Goals. These manifestations range from subtle social interactions to systemic exclusion from essential services and economic opportunities.

• Social and Interpersonal Discrimination: Daily encounters involving patronizing language and dismissive attitudes erode the dignity of older persons. Testimonies from seniors like Judy Bonnell and Brooks Field highlight how being called “dear” or spoken to in a simplified manner is insulting and reinforces feelings of worthlessness. This directly contravenes the aims of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by negatively impacting mental health and contravenes SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by perpetuating social hierarchies based on age.
• Economic and Workplace Exclusion: As the cost of living necessitates continued employment, older workers face significant discrimination. The prejudice that they are incapable or are displacing younger workers prevents their full participation in the economy. This practice is a direct barrier to achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which calls for full and productive employment for all, including older persons.
• Healthcare System Inequities: A critical concern is the dismissal of legitimate medical issues as inevitable consequences of aging. This practice denies older adults the right to proper diagnosis and care, undermining SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by failing to ensure healthy lives for people of all ages.
• Technological and Institutional Exclusion: The rapid digitization of government and business services creates a significant barrier for seniors who are not proficient with technology. This “technological ageism” limits access to essential services like banking and public information, thereby hindering the creation of inclusive communities as mandated by SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and just institutions under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

3.0 Impact Assessment on Sustainable Development Progress

The cumulative effect of ageism represents a significant obstacle to achieving a sustainable and equitable future. The primary SDGs impacted include:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Compromised by dismissive healthcare practices and the profound mental health toll of social and economic marginalization.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Hindered by denying capable older adults employment opportunities, which limits both individual financial security and broader economic productivity.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Directly contradicted by the perpetuation of discrimination and prejudice against a significant demographic group.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Jeopardized by creating non-inclusive physical and digital environments where seniors cannot fully participate or access services.

4.0 Counter-Strategies and Alignment with Global Goals

Efforts to combat ageism in Nova Scotia are being led by community and advocacy organizations, whose work aligns directly with the implementation of the SDGs.

• Community-Level Action: Organizations like Spencer House seniors’ centre actively counter ageism by creating inclusive spaces that value the wisdom and experience of older adults. As stated by Executive Director Allison Davies, their approach is to “lift up the voices of seniors,” a practice essential for building the inclusive communities envisioned in SDG 11.
• Systemic Advocacy: CARP challenges systemic discrimination in media, business, and government. This advocacy is crucial for reforming institutions to be more inclusive and just, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

Addressing ageism is not merely a social issue but a developmental imperative for Nova Scotia. To achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a fundamental shift is required in how society views and treats its older members. As Judy Bonnell suggests, leveraging the lifelong experience of seniors can “make life better for everybody.” Integrating the contributions of older adults and eliminating age-based discrimination are essential steps toward building a society that is truly equitable, prosperous, and sustainable for all ages.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article connects to this goal by highlighting how ageism negatively impacts the mental and physical health of seniors. It mentions that being made to feel like a burden has a “profound toll on the mental health of seniors.” Furthermore, it describes how seniors’ medical concerns are often dismissed by healthcare professionals as simply being a consequence of their age, which impedes their access to proper healthcare.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • This goal is relevant because the article discusses ageism in the workplace. It points out that many seniors need to continue working due to the cost of living but face discrimination. The text mentions the belief that older workers are holding back younger ones and the idea that seniors are being “pushed out of the workplace,” which directly relates to ensuring decent work for all age groups.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • This is a central theme of the article. The entire piece focuses on ageism, which is described as a “quiet, and often subtle, form of discrimination.” It details how this prejudice creates stereotypes and leads to the social and economic exclusion of older people, from patronizing daily interactions to being left behind by the push for online services.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article touches upon this goal by emphasizing the importance of community and inclusion for seniors. It highlights the role of Spencer House, a seniors’ centre in Halifax, which works to “lift up the voices of seniors” and make them feel valued. This relates to creating inclusive and supportive community spaces for people of all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article’s mention of the “profound toll on the mental health of seniors” caused by ageism directly relates to the promotion of mental health and well-being for this demographic.
2. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • This target is directly addressed when the article discusses workplace ageism. Bill VanGorder’s statement that “capability, not age, should be the determining factor in whether someone can perform a job” and the issue of seniors being “pushed out of the workplace” align with the goal of achieving full and productive employment for all, irrespective of age.
3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • The article’s core subject, ageism, is a direct barrier to the social and economic inclusion of older persons. The discussion of “technological ageism,” where seniors are “left behind” as services move online, is a clear example of exclusion that this target aims to prevent.
4. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
   • The article describes ageism as a “prejudice” and “discrimination.” The work of organizations like CARP, which “challenge systemic discrimination” by bringing examples to the attention of media, business, and government, directly supports the elimination of discriminatory practices mentioned in this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law (Implied Indicator for Target 10.3).
   • The article provides qualitative evidence for this indicator through the personal testimonies of Judy Bonnell and Brooks Field. They describe feeling dismissed, ignored, and insulted due to age-based prejudice, such as being called “dear” in a patronizing tone. These personal accounts serve as anecdotal measures of perceived discrimination.
2. Unemployment rate, by age (Implied Indicator for Target 8.5).
   • While no specific numbers are given, the article implies this indicator by discussing “employment problems in the older age group” and the phenomenon of seniors being “pushed out of the workplace.” Tracking the employment status of older Nova Scotians would be a direct way to measure progress against workplace ageism.
3. Proportion of individuals who have access to essential services (Implied Indicator for Target 10.2).
   • The article points to a gap in access to services due to “technological ageism.” Judy Bonnell’s statement, “I don’t do my banking online because I’m nervous about it,” and the general observation that many seniors are “left behind” as services move online, suggest that measuring the proportion of seniors unable to access digital services would be a relevant indicator.
4. Frequency of mental health issues among older adults (Implied Indicator for Target 3.4).
   • The article explicitly states that ageism can have a “profound toll on the mental health of seniors.” This suggests that tracking the prevalence of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety within the senior population could serve as an indicator of the societal impact of ageism and the progress made in promoting their well-being.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbc.ca