What does it mean to have human rights for everyone? 

Increasingly the issue of Human Rights is being written about and addressed by advocates and media alike. But what does it really mean and how does this apply to seniors?

Older adults are entitled to the same Human Rights as every living citizen of this planet.  Yet seniors, in particular, tend to experience greater barriers, when it comes to being able to enjoy life fully. Those barriers affect many aspects of daily life and constitute violations of human rights. Despite the harsh realities we have witnessed, because of the global pandemic, we must not ever forget that everyone, regardless of age, is entitled to live a life of dignity and respect.

The Reality of Seniors During COVID

The pandemic made it clear that older adults did not, nor do they always receive the same treatment as other individuals. Seniors were disproportionately mistreated throughout the pandemic, and they continue to experience age-related discriminatory practices in many areas of their lives.

  • We must all be focused on ensuring that the needs of seniors,  during these difficult times continue to be properly met. The UN reported that the COVID-19 fatality rate, for people over 80 year of age, is five times the global average. As of April 2022, individuals over 50 accounted for 97 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in Canada. That is a harsh reality.
  • Nursing homes in several countries implemented visitor bans forcing seniors residing in these facilities to face neglect and isolation. Furthermore, some nursing homes are known to have increased the administration of psychotropic prescription drugs to seniors, further exacerbating health conditions and dangers.

Know Your Rights

The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discriminatory actions against individuals, based on the following grounds:

  • age
  • race and ethnic origin
  • citizenship
  • disability
  • family status
  • sexual orientation to name but a few.

Everyone, including seniors, have the right to life, liberty and security. Capable older adults in Ontario can make their own decisions and control their own destinies. To learn more about the Human Rights of older adults click here.

To Learn More about the OHRC join our Upcoming Webinar:

What is the mandate of the Ontario Human Rights Commission?  Equipping ourselves with knowledge about fundamental aspects of the HR Code can help improve our collective, societal understanding of how we can ensure older adults’ rights are not violated. Join us on April 26 for a webinar that will provide you with a better understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Our guest speaker, Bryony Halpin, PhD, Senior Policy Analyst from the Ontario Human Rights Commission will explore the intersectionality of age and the rights of older persons. 

Click the button below to register now!

Ontario Human Rights Commission : Ageism and the Rights of Older Persons in Ontario