Based on the 2019 Eurobarometer ondiscrimination in the EU, agediscrimination remains one of the most prevalent forms ofdiscrimination. 40 % of individuals in the EU believe that agediscrimination is widespread in their country, and according to the first Global United Nations report on Ageism, one in three people in Europe, both young and old, reports having been a target ofageism, a phenomenon more pervasive thanracism and sexism in this region. Ageism refers toprejudice ordiscrimination against a particular age group, especially the elderly. The report found that 1 in two people are ageist towards older people. 

Discrimination based on age occurs in the field of employment but is also pervasive in access to goods and services.discrimination in accessing healthcare is a particular concern for people 55+, which has been brought to the fore in the context of COVID-19. 

Nevertheless, it is important to underline that agediscrimination exists both against younger and older persons. 

In the EU, directives exist that ban discrimination on the basis of age in employment and occupation, which means that: 

• You are protected by the law if, for example, you think you are being treated unfairly when applying for a job because you are a(n) young/older person. 
• You are protected by the law if, for example, you have a job where your colleagues treat you badly – such as by calling you names or making jokes at your expense because you are a(n) young/older person. 
• You are protected by the law if, for example, your employer refuses you promotion or training because you are a(n) young/older person.

In Luxembourg, the subject is continuously addressed by companies, as was highlighted by the Barometer "Diversity & Enterprises Lëtzebuerg 2021". The subject of young people under 26 and seniors over 50 are subjects of actions for 59% and 52% of signatories respectively. 

Resources by IMS Luxembourg and the Diversity Charter Lëtzebuerg

Guide ‘Age and Intergenerational Management’, created by the Autonomous Working Group of the Luxembourg Diversity Charter (Reserved for signatories. Ask for the brochure at info@chartediversite.lu)

External resources

• Note d’information sur l’aide à l’embauche des travailleurs âgés : un dispositif assez peu utilisé
• Synthèse de travaux et identification des bonnes pratiques de l’ANACT : Maintien en emploi des seniors.
• Initiative de Solid’âge : l’âgisme, parlons-en !