2 weeks Ago By Olivia Senior and Department of Communities
Ageing, it’s something that is happening to all of us. So, why has ageism become such a big problem? And how do we tackle it? According to the World Health Organisation, globally one out of two people hold ageist attitudes, and two-thirds of Australians have experienced a form of ageism even if they don’t describe it as so. Additionally, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission, over 80 per cent of Australians believe that ageism is a problem.
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act). It can be directed at anyone (in Europe, there is more ageism against younger people!) — including yourself — and happen anywhere – such as the media, our relationships and workplaces. Ageism negatively impacts many of us.
It’s a major driver of elder abuse, affects people’s physical and mental health, and is also associated with isolation, loneliness, financial insecurity and a reduced quality of life. Ageism also exasperates other disadvantages like gender, race and disability, making it extremely harmful to our society. Interestingly, according to the research ‘Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging’ , it has been shown that people with a negative outlook on their own ageing live 7.
5 years less than people who have a more positive perception of ageing. The consultation for An Age-friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy 2023-2033 (State Seniors Strategy), released in 2023, highlighted the experiences of ageism of over 2,600 older people across Western Australia. The vision of the State Seniors Strategy is for Western Australian seniors to feel valued, safe, and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling lives in age-friendly communities.
A campaign to raise awareness about ageism is just one of the many actions from the State Seniors Strategy that aims to accomplish this vision. Government legislation exists to protect us from unlawful discrimination including the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) and the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Commonwealth). However, there are things that we can all do, including the media, to protect our older people from experiencing ageism or in its worst form, discrimination and elder abuse.
Raising awareness of ageist language and being mindful of how older people are perceived can positively influence our behaviour and attitudes towards older people. Negative perceptions and stereotypes about older people and ageing should be avoided. Choose inclusive language that is respectful.
The Australia Human Rights Commission found that just one introductory workshop on ageism increased the participants’ long-term knowledge and understanding. This then led participants to feel empowered to act when encountering ageist behaviour. For example, Playgroups WA has proven the value of bringing generations together through play and building social connections.
The experience enhances wellbeing through fun and friendships and enhances understanding between generations. Changing attitudes will ensure we all thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually; engage and connect with safe and age-friendly communities; and have views that are heard. Everyone deserves the right to feel valued, safe, and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling lives in age-friendly communities.
The onus is on all of us to raise awareness about ageism and adopt better language and attitudes. You probably know of many words that promote a negative association with ageing and older people. The aim is to challenge your bias and rethink how ageing and older people are described and represented.
For more information, go to the Department of Communities website ..
