Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Professor Robert Butler, a leading gerontologist about whom I have spoken many times in the House, died on 4 July. Older people across the world have lost a valiant friend, supporter and visionary against ageism. He coined the phrase "ageism", opening up a whole thought process and debate about the subject.

Ageism, the denial of basic human rights of older persons, is one of the most pervasive prejudices across human society. In speech after speech, Professor Butler pounded home the message that longevity in the United States had increased by 30 years in the 20th century, greater than the gain during the preceding 5,000 years of human history.

Last week, in defence of older people, Ringo Starr at 70 years of age held a concert in New York's Radio City. Clint Eastwood still directs movies at 80 years of age.