Why do we have a moral responsibility to combat ageism?

Why do we have a moral responsibility to combat ageism?

Aubrey de Grey (Chairman, Methuselah Foundation) gives expert video advice on: What is 'Gerontology'?; Why is it so important for different types of gerontologists to work together?; What causes aging? and more...

I think people think ageism is bad for the same reason that they think racism or sexism is bad. I think that the concept of egalitarianism and of all men being created equal is something that is now very deeply seeded in our ethical framework and I think about that because that is how I feel as well. I certainly feel that this is one of the main reasons why from a moral perspective we have a duty to get on and actually do something about aging as soon as possible and to stop people from going down hill, even though it is a very hard problem and one that will take a lot of money to solve.