Challenging the assumption that older people are genderless or asexual is
vital to addressing ageism. Gendered
processes continue to shape the lives of people in older
age, intensifying disadvantages faced by women and potentially
disempowering men.
Understanding gender relations and power dynamics throughout life is essential
to comprehend the experience of ageing. Whilst it is often older women who have less access to
resources, power and opportunities, men’s lives may also be adversely affected by their gender roles in
older age.
In line with our 2030 Strategy, we prioritise the
well-being, dignity, and voice of older
people in their diverse identities. Neglecting gender inequalities poses a risk of perpetuation and
exclusion. Therefore, recognising
and addressing gender disparities is essential for fostering inclusivity, meeting the needs and rights
of all older people, and ensuring that our approach promotes equal opportunities and
outcomes.
Challenges:
Gender-based discrimination can accumulate throughout a
person’s lifetime and become more pronounced in old age due to a variety of factors. Older women often
face double
discrimination based on both their age and their gender, while older men can experience challenges
to their masculinity that can lead to feelings of isolation.
Gender inequality significantly impacts health outcomes,
particularly for older women who often lack access to health and care services and are likely to spend a
greater proportion of their lives in ill health or disability.
Additionally, older women are more likely than men to take on unpaid care
responsibilities within their families or work in the informal sector, leading to lower earnings and
limited entitlement to pensions or retirement benefits. These factors contribute to increased poverty and social exclusion in old age.
Older women who provide care may be more valued compared to
non-working older men, who might have been away from home for extended periods due to work-related
migration or other reasons, potentially exposing them to a risk of neglect.
Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that can occur at
any stage of life, with long-lasting effects. For women, the cumulative impact of gender-based violence can
hinder their ability to accumulate assets, harm their physical and mental health, and diminish their
agency and voice. Similarly, individuals who are vulnerable to gender-based violence due to their sexual
orientation or gender identity may also face similar consequences.
