Eliminating Ageism and Advancing Human Rights
Over the past few months, the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) and the International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC Canada) have been at the forefront of advancing the rights of older persons and eliminating ageism across Canada and globally. These efforts are grounded in human rights, scientific evidence, lived experience, and collective action. A critical milestone was reached on 3 April 2025, when the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted Resolution A/HRC/58/L.24/Rev.1, moving the world closer to a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. Standing for Canadian voices at the 58th HRC session in Geneva were Margaret Gillis, President of ILC Canada, and Kahir Lalji, Vice President of ILC Canada, an influential advocate and CCAA leader. Together, they championed the rights of older Canadians and called for strong, enforceable global protections.
Also marking global leadership, Dr. Kiran Rabheru and Dr. Carlos de Mendonça Lima published a peer-reviewed paper in April 2025 titled “Dignity and Human Rights-Based Care and Support for Older Persons.” This landmark article outlines a practical, five-pillar care model: science-based, person-centred, rights-based, PRISM-informed, and accountability-driven. [Read the article here].
On June 5, 2024, the CCAA convened a National Forum on Ageism in Health, Community Care, and Support in Ottawa. From this forum emerged several new working groups, co-led by Dr. Kiran Rabheru and Dr. Laura Kadowaki, focused on defining ageism in all its forms, integrating human rights into clinical education, crafting a national anti-ageism strategy, and amplifying culturally inclusive, intergenerational programming.
The Older Persons Advisory Group (OPAG), led by Dr. Olive Bryanton, Dr. Satya Brink, and Ms. Marie Howell, continues to be a powerful engine for community voice and change. OPAG is growing with purpose—working to ensure that older persons are not just heard but are leading the way. Through bold collaboration and strategic outreach, we are building a movement where older people shape their own futures in every sphere that matters – education, research, policy, and community life. Through the brand new week long Ageism module on the Geriatric Psychiatry On-Line Course (GPOC), OPAG members have shared deeply personal stories—exposing systemic neglect, institutional ageism, and the urgent need to see the humanity behind every older person’s experience.
Many CCAA leaders have been working tirelessly to raise awareness across Canada about the need to reframe aging and promote evidence-based interventions that support healthy aging, including dementia prevention and brain health optimization. I extend my thanks to all leaders for their support and wish to recognize Leah Clement and Cheri Nixon for dedication, passion, and support for CCAA & ILCC.
Our presentations have consistently emphasized the power of lifestyle-based strategies—such as physical activity, social connection, continued learning, balanced nutrition, and even simple acts like sharing a meal or nurturing relationships—to protect not only cognitive function, but also physical and emotional well-being.
At the heart of all this work is a golden thread: the urgent need to dismantle ageist attitudes and policies that stand in the way of equitable access to these proven interventions. Without addressing ageism, even the best strategies risk leaving the most vulnerable behind.
As we prepare for the next chapter, CCAA is launching Phase 2—a bold and ambitious expansion to broaden our reach, deepen our impact, and activate every sector of Canadian society in the fight to eliminate ageism.
Join us in this urgent and hopeful journey—toward a world free of ageism and rich in intergenerational respect and solidarity.
This is more than a campaign. It’s a movement. It’s a vision. It’s a call to invest, to act, and to lead.
Best regards,
Dr. Kiran Rabheru, CCAA Chair
Protect the Rights of Older Persons in Canada Now
Canada is aging rapidly. By 2030, 1 in 4 Canadians will be over the age of 65. Despite being the fastest-growing demographic, older persons are too often sidelined—as if they are passive recipients of care. Political leadership and public policy continue to ignore the needs, rights, and contributions of older persons. This isn’t a future issue – it’s a NOW issue. Canadians need bold action and courageous leadership, calling on all federal parties to commit to the rights of older persons in the next election.
With the Federal Election less than four weeks away, this is a critical and time-sensitive opportunity to drive meaningful change. We strongly encourage you to engage with elected representatives, candidates, and their teams—urging them to support CCAA’s vision of eliminating ageism and promoting and protecting the human rights of older Canadians.
For your convenience, we’ve created an election toolkit Check our website for valuable tools and resources to help guide your outreach. Please also make use of the email campaign tool we’ve created to easily contact candidates in your riding and all of the political party leaders.
We encourage you to widely share and cross-post these important resources with your constituents, networks, friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, and supporters.