New forms of ageism as a challenge for a un convention on the rights of older persons

Abstract

This article contributes to the ongoing debate around the need for a new United Nations convention on the human rights of older persons. It explores new forms of ageism that have so far been overlooked in the discussion and explores the value of a new treaty from a symbolic point of view. Analyzing the instrumentalization of older persons by ageing policies, and the devaluation of older age as part of age imperialism, we argue that a new treaty can valorize older people’s social status and address them as autonomous subjects. This can be achieved by emphasizing the individual dignity of older persons and by expressing their equal legal recognition. This exploration of the conceptual challenges posed by new forms of ageism provides arguments that may prove useful for reframing the debate around a new convention.