39% of women and 31% of men, over the age of 65, in Cornwall, say they have faced discrimination because of their age.
The results from the Age Friendly Cornwall survey have been published on Age Without Limits Day.
This annual event, run by the Centre for Ageing Better, is a moment to act and this year the theme is tackling ageism through questions.
Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health Partnerships, Councillor Jim Mckenna, said: “Comments which may seem like harmless fun to some people can have a devastating impact on others.
“It chips away at confidence, shapes decisions, and quietly limits opportunities, in work, health, relationships and community life.”
Earlier this year Cornwall Council led an application to join the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities, which serves more than 10 million people across the UK.
The work of Age Friendly Communities is set out by the World Health Organisation and focuses around 8 key areas: Community & Health Services, Information and Communication, Social Participation, Civic Participation, Outdoor Spaces, Transport, Respect & Social Inclusion and Housing.
Cllr Jim McKenna continued: "Now we have joined the network of Age Friendly Communities, this is where the hard work begins.
“Nearly every one of the 8 priorities of an Age Friendly Community is shaped by the assumptions we hold about age.
“We know more than half of Cornwall’s population is expected to be over the age of 50 in the next ten years, so we need to work hard to make this a better place to live well and age well.
“That’s why we are urging people to stand up and take action to tackle ageism here in Cornwall.”
What can you do today to make a difference?
Catch one ageist comment, yours or someone else's, and gently question it.
Bring it up in a team meeting or with friends and family. Awkward is fine; awkward is how habits break.
Get curious about Cornwall's age-friendly work and where you fit into it.
Ageism is learned, which means it can be unlearned and when we question it, we challenge it.
And when we challenge it, we start to change it.
ENDS
Posted 10 June 2026