The « Wave » is stigmatizing – altaposten.no

As a politician and elected representative, I am constantly met with graphs and warnings about the « wave of aging » – as if there is a natural disaster on the way to hit our society. I mean this word is both stigmatizing and unfair.

We want to get older, to live good, long lives. Instead of fearing an aging wave, we should celebrate that people live longer – and rather look at our elderly as a resource.

The term gives the impression that the elderly are a kind of burden – that they consume the economy, the health care system and the welfare state. It simplifies a diverse group of people to one mass of challenges. Many elderly people are healthy, engaged and contribute every single day – in the volunteer, in the family and in the local community.

Also in legislation, age discrimination is in the way of the elderly to contribute to society: For let’s be honest, most people will contribute to society as long as they can. One should be removed all laws and other obstacles that exclude people only as a result of their age – here we as politicians have a lot of work that needs to be done.

Important competence is removed from the courts, boards and behind the wheel on the bus – even though the person could deliver as well as a newly qualified youth. This is simply discrimination.

Jitse Jonathan Buithink

National Board SV