MP Sarah Owen, chairwoman of the Equalities Committee (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Express)
The myth that “boomers” have hoarded the nation’s wealth encourages prejudice against older people and pits generations against each other, MPs have warned.
It contributes to age discrimination, which is “highly prevalent” in the UK and makes it harder for older people to access vital services, said MPs.
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The findings were published by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, which heard evidence from a range of witnesses worried about society’s attitude towards the elderly.
A common complaint was that “boomers” – which can refer to members of the “baby boom generation” born after World War 2 but has also become a catch-all term for anyone considered old – were being blamed for the problems faced by younger people, including housing shortages.
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But there is in fact a huge gap between the most and least wealthy in every generation – so while some older people may be well-off, others are struggling.
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The committee, chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen, said: “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.”
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The MPs highlighted research from the Centre for Ageing Better, which found this “generational stereotyping” helped to cause “divisive and harmful tensions in society”.
At the same time, older people were also portrayed as frail and incapable, said the MPs.
They urged the Government to appoint a Commissioner for Older People’s Rights to provide “a powerful and independent voice” for the elderly.
The MPs also called for a review of the law to ensure age discrimination is taken as seriously as other forms of discrimination.
Ms Owen said: “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.”
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The findings were welcomed by Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.
She said: “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.”