At EDF we fight for the rights of all persons with disabilities, including older persons with disabilities, who often face double discrimination due to ageism and ableism.
Too often, older people with disabilities are treated as objects of care rather than as active contributors to society. They are at higher risk of neglect, abuse, and violence whether in institutions or at home. Older women with disabilities, in particular, face compounded inequalities: poverty, violence, economic dependency, and systemic exclusion.
Voices from lived experience
Tomaž, Slovenia
“People underestimate the abilities of older people. We may need more time, but we can still do things with quality. Ageism erased respect for older people’s wisdom and experiences. To fight stigma, we need to reconnect younger and older generations.”
Helen, Ireland
“When I was diagnosed with dementia, I was treated as a hopeless case. At 65, I became an ‘older person’ and offered only passive care, not rehabilitation. Dementia must be recognised as a disability, so we get the same rights and supports as others. We need cognitive ramps just as much as physical ones.”
Carol, Scotland
“Diagnosed at 49, I thought my life was over. Doctors told me I’d only have six months. But 11 years later, I’m active, engaged, and contributing. Growing older with dementia is not the end. Laughter and participation keep me strong.”
Our call
We highlight the urgent challenges older persons with disabilities face and calls for decisive action on:
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Poverty and social exclusion: Tackling the higher cost of living for older persons with disabilities, especially women, and ensuring no one is left behind.
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Equal access to disability benefits: Ending age-based discrimination in assessments and guaranteeing equal rights to support across the lifespan.
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Access to goods and services: Enforcing accessibility in all areas of life and ensuring affordable assistive technologies across the EU.
It is time for the EU and Member States to take concrete steps so that older persons with disabilities can live with dignity, autonomy, and equal rights.