Let's see an end to ageism

It's good news that we are now living longer, but there is much scaremongering about the "problems" of having an increasingly ageing population. Experts often refer to a "demographic time bomb" and its supposed consequences.

All over the world there are increasing numbers of older people. It is therefore a good time for all of us to rethink our attitudes to ageing and recognise the positive benefits that older people can bring to society.

In Wales, for example, retired people are the fastest growing group. There will be, in 2033, 185,000 more pensioners an increase of 29 per cent from 2008. Yet road signs depict older people as stooping and frail - a very negative message indeed.

It is therefore time to change society's attitudes to older people who are often portrayed as grumpy and confused. This does not convey a complete picture of this demographic which is as diverse as any other. Older people can be as positive and active as younger people but tend to be regarded the same in many cases.

These stereotypical attitudes to age must be challenged - as Reith lecturer Tom Kirkwood says, we are challenged to "put an end to age as something that we let get in the way of celebrating all individuals on this earth as true equals."

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