Researchers try to get to the bottom of age discrimination

As people get older they may experience age discrimination, whereby they are treated in a different way simply because of their advanced years.

While every effort needs to be made to prevent this, researchers have highlighted that in some instances it is desirable to treat someone different because they are older to protect them.

This clash of needs causes a problem for those charged with balancing them and ensuring that older adults get the treatment they deserve.

James Appleby, the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) executive director, explained: "We find that age-based discrimination raises a series of unique dilemmas for policymaking and service delivery."

The GSA is now partnering Age UK to try to get to the bottom of this problem and find a way to ensure that appropriate allowances are made for older adults, without harming their rights.

It is also hoped that the research will highlight how widespread the age discrimination is on both sides of the Atlantic.

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