IT'S a sad fact, but there is no doubt ageism plays a big part in leaving some people disadvantaged in our community.

It's not a hot topic like racism or sexism, but it still exists, affecting many among the elderly.

Younger people are put up as better, more appealing and generally more suitable for jobs and other positions of status.

In the meantime, the experience and wisdom built up by older people are often overlooked, leaving the employer worse off.

This craving to be youthful leads to misery and jealousy, and drives people to take drastic action such as plastic surgery. These days, it seems the majority of girls harbour some ambition to be a model. And to be blunt, they maybe on to something.

Attractive people tend to be looked on more favourably and young attractive people most of all.

With this in mind it is encouraging – with a hint of irony – that Jo Ashley is doing so well in her new career.

The Fishponds 67-year-old retired as a scientist seven years go but today has a new role, as a model.

Normally, the profile of the typical fashion model is a tall, stick-insect girl in her late teens.

Jo is tall and slim but she is no longer in her late teens.

Some may find it unusual that, as a flag bearer for the older generation, she will feature in a programme in which people try to look younger.

The assumption behind 10 Years Younger, presumably, is that life is better if you look younger.

It is naïve to think that society will simply stop judging people depending on how old they either are or look. But what Jo has proved is that whatever the field, it makes perfect sense to choose those who are suitable for the job – not those who have the fewest wrinkles.

It just so happens that in her new profession, fewer wrinkles happens to be the crucial quality!