Harman launches 'age bias' attack

Harriet Harman is to attack discrimination against the elderly as a serious problem that requires action at the highest levels.

The equality minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party will say that ageism is costing the economy tens of billions of pounds a year.

And she will say that there is a particular problem with the media's portrayal of older women.

In a speech at an Age UK event, Ms Harman will call for recognition of the growing numbers in Britain of the "wellderly" - the elderly who are well and play a major role in society.

She will criticise notions that those past the age of 65 are "past it" or that people should be defined according to their importance in the world of work.

"We still have more to do to tackle the attitude that once you reach 60 you are just treading water until you become frail and dependent," Ms Harman will say. "This is important not just for those individuals concerned but for the economy as a whole. We have to banish the ageism in the workplace that costs an estimated up to £31 billion per year due to lost GDP."

At a conference organised by Age Concern and Help the Aged, Ms Harman will say that ageism against older women in the media is a "serious problem".

"While the broadcast media finds it possible to value the older man as having experience and wisdom they don't seem to be able to value the older woman in the same way.

"Older people are the last remaining group that society deems it acceptable to discriminate against."

The Equality Bill currently before Parliament contains measures to protect the elderly. They include requiring public bodies to promote the needs of older people and banning age discrimination in the provision of goods and services, for example on travel insurance and loans.