This Saturday, 7 October, marks Australia’s Ageism Awareness Day—a day set aside to confront the deep-seated prejudices, stereotyping, and discrimination targeted at older Australians. The initiative, spearheaded by EveryAGE Counts, has not only gained traction in Australia but has also received international recognition, including a nod from the American Society on Ageing.
EveryAGE Counts is an umbrella group that includes the Australian Human Rights Commission, more than 30 local government councils, and over 100 community-based organisations. The coalition aims to shed light on the severity of ageism in the Australian community. A major national survey conducted last year revealed that 68% of Australians over the age of 50 believe ageism is a “serious problem in Australia.” The percentage increases as respondents grow older, signalling an urgent need for action.
Robert Tickner, a spokesperson for EveryAGE Counts, emphasised the gravity of the situation. “Ageism is not just a trendy buzzword. There’s hard evidence that discrimination against older people impacts their health and well-being in a myriad of ways,” he said. Tickner further explained how ageism often begins in the workplace, manifesting as denied promotions or job opportunities for individuals in their fifties. The effects later intensify, contributing to elder abuse and subpar treatment in aged care facilities—a grim reality that was laid bare by the Aged Care Royal Commission.
The unemployment statistics for Australians over 50 underscore the problem. Two decades ago, one in 20 unemployed individuals was between 50 and 65 years of age. Today, that figure has doubled to one in 10, and the group makes up a substantial portion of long-term unemployed citizens.
Tickner insists that ageism affects us all eventually, and thus it’s crucial to foster intergenerational solidarity. Older Australians, like any other segment of the population, desire to be treated as individuals, not as part of a demographic beset by generalised assumptions or offensive jokes. A culture rife with misconceptions—such as the inevitability of dementia or incapacity in the workforce—robs older people of their agency and self-reliance, often reducing them to mere stereotypes.
EveryAGE Counts urges the need for a national public awareness and education campaign on ageism. Tickner cited the World Health Organisation’s finding that ageism can reduce life expectancy by up to 7.5 years, as individuals become devalued and disrespected. “The challenge is now to change what is in people’s hearts and minds,” he said, advocating for an Australia where ageism is eradicated and people of all ages are valued and respected.
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