Ageism in Mauritius: The Hidden Cost of Discriminating Against Older People

Every year on 1 October, the world marks the International Day of Older Persons — a moment to reflect on how societies treat their ageing populations. In Mauritius, where the proportion of people aged 60 and over is rising steadily, the issue of ageism deserves urgent attention. **What is ageism?** Ageism refers to the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination directed at people on the basis of their age — most commonly against older individuals. It can be subtle, such as assuming an elderly person is technologically incompetent, or overt, such as refusing to hire or promote someone because they are deemed "too old." The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies ageism as one of the most widespread yet least recognised forms of discrimination in the world. Unlike racism or sexism, it is often tolerated — even celebrated — in everyday humour and language. **Why it matters in Mauritius** Mauritius is undergoing a significant demographic shift. According to Statistics Mauritius, the island's population is ageing rapidly, with seniors projected to make up a growing share of residents over the coming decades. This makes the social and institutional treatment of older people a pressing policy concern. Ageism in Mauritius manifests in several ways: in the workplace, where older employees may be pushed into early retirement or overlooked for training; in healthcare, where elderly patients' complaints may be dismissed as inevitable signs of ageing; and in the family and community, where older relatives are sometimes sidelined from decision-making or treated as burdens. **The debilitating consequences** Research consistently shows that ageism has measurable health consequences. Older people who internalise negative stereotypes about ageing — believing themselves to be frail, useless, or past their prime — are more likely to experience depression, cognitive decline, and even shorter lifespans. Beyond health, ageism drives economic exclusion. Seniors who are pushed out of the workforce early lose income, social connection, and purpose — all of which are critical to wellbeing in later life. Age discrimination also affects access to services. Older Mauritians may find it harder to obtain credit, insurance, or even respectful medical care if providers make assumptions based on age alone. **What this means** For Mauritius to build an inclusive society, tackling ageism must become part of the national conversation — not just on symbolic awareness days, but in law, workplace policy, and everyday attitudes. The country already has the National Empowerment Foundation and the Ministry of Social Integration and Social Security overseeing senior welfare programmes, but advocacy groups argue that legal protections against age discrimination remain insufficient. Families, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers all have a role to play in challenging the assumptions that make older people feel invisible, irrelevant, or expendable. Respecting older persons is not charity — it is a matter of human rights and social justice. Source: Le Defi Media