9. The Assembly refers to Recommendation CM/Rec(2014)2 of the Committee of Ministers to memberStates on the promotion of human rights of older persons and a 2019 report on its implementation whichrecommended further efforts to tackle age-based discrimination.

10. The Assembly furthermore refers to its Resolution 2168 (2017) and Recommendation 2104 (2017)“Human rights of older persons and their comprehensive care”; Resolution 2510 (2023) “Closing the digitaldivide: promoting equal access to digital technologies”; Resolution 1793 (2011) “Promoting active ageing –capitalising on older people’s working potential”; and Recommendation 1796 (2007) “The situation of elderlypersons in Europe”. It also refers to attention to Resolution 504 (2024) and Recommendation 517 (2024) ofthe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, on “Ageing communities – ensuringaccess to quality social care for older persons”.

11. The Assembly acknowledges the pioneering role played by the Council of Europe, given that theEuropean Social Charter (ETS No. 35), revised in 1996 (ETS No. 163), and in particular its Article 23 “Theright of elderly persons to social protection”, is the first human rights treaty to specifically protect the rights ofolder persons, requiring State Parties to adopt legislation to combat age-based discrimination in all areas. TheCharter states that such legislation should cover sectors such as access to goods, facilities and services,including insurance and banking products. In a statement from 2023, the European Committee of SocialRights indicated that the Charter requires a commitment to identifying and eliminating ageist attitudes andlaws, policies and other measures which reflect or reinforce ageism. Also in 2023, the Council of Europepublished a major study on the use of the European Social Charter in combating ageism against olderpersons in order to ensure that the Charter remains at the forefront of this fight.

12. The Assembly considers that national bodies responsible for equality issues should include preventingand combating discrimination against older persons in their mandate and activities and be granted thenecessary resources in this respect.

13. The Assembly calls on the member and observer States of the Council of Europe and States whoseparliament enjoys observer or partner for democracy status with the Assembly:

13.1. with regard to the general approach, to:

13.1.1. apply a human rights-based approach to combat ageism against older persons, shifting to a right holders model that guarantees equality, dignity, autonomy and participation at all stages of life;

13.1.2. accordingly devise and put in place specific measures to prevent ageism and combat stereotypes against older persons, through education, information and awareness-raising activities which could include events to mark the International Day of Older Persons (1 October);

13.1.3. support and fund civil society organisations working to combat ageism;

13.1.4. provide opportunities for intergenerational solidarity and partnerships, and activities to connect younger and older generations, for the benefit of all, harnessing the wisdom, experience and talents of the older generation, as a societal asset;

13.2. with regard to laws and policies, to:

13.2.1. review legislation to include a specific prohibition of age-based discrimination against older persons, and modify or repeal any laws with direct or indirect discriminatory effects;

13.2.2. ensure that equality and anti-discrimination laws and policies address structural discrimination, and multiple and intersectional discrimination against older persons in all areas of life, covering in particular autonomy (legal capacity), independent living, employment, political representation, access to justice, goods and services, healthcare, housing and quality care;

13.2.3. accept Article 23 of the European Social Charter if this is not already the case;

13.2.4. ensure that monitoring and enforcement bodies and mechanisms are in place as regards laws and policies on age-based discrimination against older persons;

13.2.5. consider establishing an independent commissioner and/or a minister for the rights of older persons;

13.3. with regard to social care and healthcare, to:

13.3.1. ensure that the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of age is integrated in health care and other public policies and programmes;

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