The fable that “boomers” have hoarded the nation’s wealth encourages prejudice in opposition to older folks and pits generations in opposition to one another, MPs have warned.
It contributes to age discrimination, which is “highly prevalent” within the UK and makes it more durable for older folks to entry important companies, stated MPs.
The findings have been revealed by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, which heard proof from a spread of witnesses fearful about society’s angle in direction of the aged.
A standard criticism was that “boomers” – which might seek advice from members of the “baby boom generation” born after World War 2 however has additionally change into a catch-all time period for anybody thought-about outdated – have been being blamed for the issues confronted by youthful folks, together with housing shortages.
But there’s the truth is an enormous hole between probably the most and least rich in each era – so whereas some older folks could also be well-off, others are struggling.
The committee, chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen, stated: “Some media and political narratives around the UK’s ageing population, particularly debates about ‘intergenerational fairness’, tend to pit younger and older generations against each other in a perceived fight for limited resources.
“Older people are also frequently stereotyped as wealthy ‘boomers’ living comfortable lives in homes they own while younger generations struggle on low incomes, unable to afford to enter the housing market and struggling with high rents.”
The MPs highlighted analysis from the Centre for Ageing Better, which discovered this “generational stereotyping” helped to trigger “divisive and harmful tensions in society”.
At the identical time, older folks have been additionally portrayed as frail and incapable, stated the MPs.
They urged the Government to nominate a Commissioner for Older People’s Rights to offer “a powerful and independent voice” for the aged.
The MPs additionally referred to as for a assessment of the legislation to make sure age discrimination is taken as significantly as different types of discrimination.
Ms Owen stated: “Age discrimination is widespread in the UK and often minimised compared to other forms of discrimination. A comprehensive review of age discrimination law is a necessary step in tackling the UK’s pervasively ageist culture.
“Ultimately, much more must be done to tackle ageist attitudes and discrimination across society, including in access to healthcare, local services, banking and transport.”
The findings have been welcomed by Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.
She stated: “There was no one officially charged with thinking about older people during the pandemic, when Covid killed vastly more older people than anyone else, and that remains the case today.
“No minister, no commissioner, no group of officials, no government strategy. Given our rapidly ageing population, the absence of these things is self-defeating, and remedying it would bring big gains and cost little.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2016100/baby-boomers-myth-prejudice-older-people