Growing old is something that happens to nearly all of us. However, according to a recent study close to one in three people (28%) reported age-related discrimination in Switzerland in 2017.

The rate of age discrimination (28%) is higher than sexism (22%) and racism (12%), according to Christian Maggiori, a professor focused on social work interviewed by the newspaper La Liberté.

Maggiori thinks the high incidence of agism could be partly explained by a lack laws against it in Switzerland. In addition, some blame older people for rising healthcare costs and an unaffordable pension system.

However, these are issues with the system, something that most have little control over, except when voting. In addition, most accept the need to raise the retirement age – a survey in 2017 revealed that 62% were resigned to the retirement age increasing to 67 years over the next decade, although only 31% said they would vote for it.

Maggiori recommends educating children against agism. He says stereotypes can take hold from the age of 4 to 5.

More on this:

La Liberté article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now

For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.