Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to put a question to Ms Bridget Sleap, who said ageism is a harmful social norm. She talked about exclusion and marginalisation but I would go one step further and say that ageism and the damage it does to older people and senior citizens shortens their lifespan. I know many former colleagues, from my previous life as a school teacher, who retired after 40 years service and within a year or two of retiring a very high percentage had died; that was in the past 20 or 30 years. If ageism is allowed to develop, it will shorten the lifespan of many older people who have much to contribute to society, whether they move on to a new career or get involved in some other way. That ageism can lead to the death of many good people who want to contribute to society and their country. Would the witness agree with that statement or is it too harsh?