Battling ageism in Kamloops and across B.C.

KAMLOOPS — Ageism affects many British Columbians. A recent survey by the BC Seniors Advocate found alarming results. Out of more than 9,000 participants, a startling 84 per cent of respondents believe ageism is a problem in BC, and 54 per cent think they have been directly affected by it.

“Ageism is often referred to as the last acceptable ‘ism’ and it’s prejudice against people based on the year they were born. It’s stereotyping, suggesting all people over a certain age or certain age cohort are the same. We wanted to find out how much of an issue ageism is for British Columbia,” said Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate.

The study was conducted across BC. People in Kamloops, however, are affected daily.

“We’ve seen a huge rise in unhoused seniors, which is incredibly unfortunate in this day and age. We all know there’s a housing shortage but the cost of living is also high. I have talked to a lot of seniors who are looking to come out of retirement and get part-time work to supplement their incomes and try to make ends meet,” said Brandi Allen, the executive director at the Centre for Seniors Information Kamloops.

The study report included some ways to avoid ageism in the workplace, social gatherings and online.

“I think one of the best ways that we can battle ageism is to just continue to get together socially. Spending some time with people who may understand your struggles so that you don’t feel as isolated and alone in some of these things is key,” said Allen.

Ageism is a growing concern among many who might not be able to retire at the age they assumed they would. Some may have to keep working to make ends meet.

“There’s a growing number of seniors. In the next decade, one-in-five British Columbians will be a senior. We want to see the rights of older people being protected. We want to see that the province we live in is much more age-friendly and age-inclusive going forward,” noted Levitt.

With awareness of this growing problem being spread, the conversation around ageism could change to a larger discussion in the future.