This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On October 1, 2019, the world marked the International Day of Older Persons, with the theme 'The Journey to Age Equality.'
However, despite global efforts to address ageing, ageism remains a silent discriminator that affects millions of people worldwide.
Ageism is a form of discrimination that is based on a person's age, and it can take many forms, including stereotypes, lack of access to care, and social exclusion.
In Kenya, for example, older individuals face significant challenges, including a lack of access to palliative care, job sacks, and harassment from doctors and other service providers.
Furthermore, many institutions, such as clubs and insurance companies, exclude older individuals from membership and decision-making forums.
Despite the existence of the International Day of Older Persons, most governments, including county governments in Kenya, have no idea of what it entails or how it should be celebrated.
The elderly continue to be the most discriminated group of people in our societies, with poverty, lack of basic health and social services, and migration of young people to cities in search of jobs, leaving their ageing parents in the village, being endemic in rural areas.
The Constitution of Kenya protects the rights of the elderly, including the right to live in dignity and respect free from abuse.
However, ironically, this is the group that is least considered in any budget in the country, with the assumption being that the Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) takes care of them.
It's time for us to make a difference in the lives of older individuals by advocating for their rights and promoting age equality.
