Abstract

This research update uses data from the 2003 and 2008 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey to assess if attitudes to older people have changed and in what ways. There is some indication in these findings of an improving picture in terms of how older people areperceived and respected in society generally.However, analysis of respondents’ perceptions of how their own older family and friends are treated shows that they think unfair treatment and discrimination has increased, particularly with regard to employment.