Ageing sector bulletin
Sector Bulletin - Understanding and challenging Ageism in NSW
Frontline Conversations - With guest Jeff Smith, NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner
Frontline Conversations is a podcast series that looks at issues relevant to frontline public sector workers who work with and support older people. Featuring a different expert guest in every episode, the podcasts examine contemporary policy areas and issues important to frontline workers.
Challenging Ageism Starts with All of Us
Ageism is one of the most common, yet least recognised, forms of discrimination. It can influence the way older people are treated in healthcare, workplaces, businesses, communities and even within their own families. Too often, negative assumptions about ageing result in older people being overlooked, excluded or denied opportunities simply because of their age.
Frontline workers have an important role to play in challenging ageism. Every interaction is an opportunity to promote dignity, respect and inclusion by recognising older people as individuals, listening to their preferences, and supporting their right to make decisions about their own lives. Creating age-inclusive services not only improves outcomes for older people but also helps build stronger, more connected communities.
As Australia’s population continues to age, tackling ageism has become an increasing policy priority. Building more age-inclusive organisations and communities requires all of us to challenge stereotypes, change attitudes and ensure older people are valued, respected and heard.
Useful Resources
There are a number of excellent resources available to help organisations and frontline workers better understand ageism and promote more age-inclusive practice.
- EveryAGE Counts is Australia’s national campaign to end ageism. The website provides practical information about recognising ageism, challenging stereotypes, having conversations about ageing and taking action to create more inclusive communities and workplaces. Visit www.everyagecounts.org.au
- The Australian Human Rights Commission provides information about age discrimination, legal protections under the Age Discrimination Act, and resources promoting the rights of older Australians. Visit www.humanrights.gov.au
- The World Health Organization offers global resources on combating ageism, including evidence, policy guidance and practical tools for governments, organisations and communities. Visit www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/combatting-ageism
Together, these resources can help build understanding, challenge stereotypes and support more respectful, inclusive interactions with older people in every setting.