Definition
People are covered by the Equality Act 2010 if they are directly or indirectly discriminated against or harassed because of their age.
Age refers to either an individuals age or group of individuals ages, such as 49 year olds, or a range of ages, such as 12 to 18 year olds or over 65s.
There are some exceptions to age discrimination. These depend on whether or not less favourable treatment because of age is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. In other words, is the action a necessary part of achieving an outcome.
The home office has recently consulted on the ‘ban on age discrimination’; providing for exceptions to the ban in some circumstances, including sport. sportscotland has responded to this consultation and is awaiting information about the development of the exceptions. For more information please see the home office equalities website.
Sport
Data from the 2009 Scottish Household Survey is outlined in the table below*. This shows participation in any sport excluding walking in the last four weeks, and then any sport including walking.
Participation in sport in the last four weeks by age group
|
Any sport (excluding walking) |
Any sport (including walking) |
|
16-24 |
77% |
91% |
|
25-34 |
63% |
86% |
|
35-44 |
55% |
80% |
|
45-59 |
45% |
72% |
|
60-74 |
37% |
67% |
|
75+ |
16% |
38% |
|
All age groups |
48% |
73% |
*This analysis was completed by the Scottish Household Survey team for sportscotland.
We know that sport participation declines as age increases. We also know that this can sometimes be linked with gender in the teenage years and disability in the older years.
Young people have the highest rate of participation in sport and this steadily declines as age increases. The table above shows that only 16% of people over 75 participated in sport (excluding walking) once in the last four weeks.
sportscotland believes that all people, regardless of age, should have the opportunity to participate in sport. sportscotland is committed to fulfilling its duty under the Equality Act 2010 to advance equality of opportunity regardless of age.
Additional resources
Children and Young People
Older people