International Day of Older Persons to celebrate older Aussies and fight ageist stereotypes

Key points:

• The Australian Human Rights Commission recently released a report outlining the ‘problematic’ ways some media outlets are portraying older Australians
• Council on the Ageing Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow commented on how changing ageist attitudes towards older Australians ‘paves the way for better outcomes for everyone’
• Older Australians can challenge ageism in their community by engaging with younger people and advocating for themselves

The Australian Human Rights Commission has recently released a report outlining how the Australian media reports on ageing and older persons, highlighting concerns that may impact the lives of older Australians.

Research findings in the report indicate that some media outlets portray older Australians as being frail and vulnerable, that ageing is a problem and the idea of intergenerational conflict relating to wealth and finances.

The release of this report also falls on the International Day of Older Persons, held annually on October 1, since being established by the United Nations General Assembly approximately 33 years ago. The International Day of Older Persons is a day to ‘celebrate older people in our society who continue to share their knowledge and wisdom within our local communities.’

However, Age Discrimination Commissioner of the Australian Human Rights Commission Robert Fitzgerald emphasised how a shift in how Australians speak about older people is still needed.

“How we view the world and those around us is largely shaped by what we read, what we hear and what we watch. Media informs how we see and treat others and even how we see and treat ourselves,” he said.

Council on the Ageing Australia Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow highlighted the impact of the recently released Australian Human Rights Commission’s report and how older Australians may be affected.

“[…] This new report has confirmed what we have all known for a while, that ageism is a scourge that continues to persist in all aspects of life in Australia,” she said.

“[…] We’re seeing too much media representation which exploits negative stereotypes of older adults, using sensationalist headlines that stoke intergenerational tensions. This practice is not only misguided but deeply harmful.”

However, Ms Sparrow highlighted that it’s not only changes in the media portrayal of older Australians that need to change.

“Let us not forget — we all age. Taking action against ageism and perverse stereotypes about older people today paves the way for better outcomes for everyone,” she said.

“We all have a role to play in creating a future where age is seen as an asset, not a barrier.”

Challenging ageism and associated stereotypes may take time, but some strategies you can use include:

• spending more time with younger people such as grandchildren to better understand their view of the world as well as sharing your own experiences; and
• advocating for yourself when you feel you are being treated unfairly because of your age.

Age discrimination may impact an older person as they may be considered vulnerable and in need of protection, solely based on their age rather than ability. According to COTA, being older may also impact health outcomes as ‘organisational and process bias invariably tends to give older people and their illnesses a lower priority.’ 

Additionally, age discrimination can occur in workplaces through factors such as reduced access to employment, e.g. shorter shifts or reduced hours.

More than one in four Australians over the age of 50 reported age discrimination at their workplace, according to a national inquiry by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Speaking up for yourself is important, but it can sometimes help to get assistance from an advocacy organisation if you’re unsure about what to do. 

The Australian Government offers free advocacy support for older Australians through the National Aged Care Advocacy Program. Any older Australian who receives government-funded aged care support or is looking for aged care is eligible. Families or carers of an older person are also eligible to access these services and can include support around your aged care rights, aged care options and solving related concerns and problems.

While age discrimination can affect many older Australians, some people may be at risk of elder abuse. 

Approximately 15 percent of older Australians experience abuse, according to recent data from the Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Types of elder abuse include physical, financial, psychological, sexual assault and neglect. Risk factors for elder abuse can include previous abuse, difficulty managing stress, poor mental or physical health and social isolation.

Read more about what the government is doing to reduce elder abuse in this article: Australian Government invests $4.8 million dollars to combat elder abuse.

Approximately 16 percent of Australians are 65 years or older, as per recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Have you experienced ageism as an older Australian?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

For more information and news in the aged care industry, subscribe to our free newsletter. 

Relevant content:

Two-thirds of older Aussies are unprepared for bushfire season

How your city shows your age in Australia

Aged care quality could improve if allied health trainees receive financial assistance