BY LESA MACPHERSON
This October 9 is Ageism Awareness Day. This is the sixth time this day has been promoted to create awareness of Ageism, and whilst the term is better known than some years ago, we still have a long way to go.
Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to draw attention to Ageism in Australia. It is part of a critical push to change community attitudes.
Ageism reinforces inequality and restricts older people’s choices. It really is time to address Ageism more robustly.
So, what is Ageism? What can we do about it? What are the legalities around Age Discrimination, and how effective are they?
Ageism is defined as stereotyping, discrimination, and mistreatment of people solely on the basis of Age.
Ageism has a devastating impact on physical and mental health, longevity, employment prospects, and participation opportunities.
Recent survey results included findings of real concern:
- Three quarters of our over 50s population believe Australia is not doing enough to raise awareness of Ageism and fight against it.
- One third of that population has had a job application rejected because of age or have been made to feel they are too old to work if they want to.
- There needs to be real and practical legal clout for calling out ageism in the workplace. The Age Discrimination Act has been in place for many years, but to date has failed to be effective in driving a change in behaviours.
- Over 50% of our over 50s cohort have been made to feel incompetent in understanding and learning new technology.
- Business and Government communications often require completion of online forms and/or email as their only means of communication, which is not suitable for older persons who wish to use phone or mail as their preferred method.
- Some parking stations require the download of an App to park, which is unrealistic and excluding of older people not comfortable with that technology. We are aware of a devoted grandmother (who has been to every event in the grandchild’s life) turning up for the child’s school speech night but who simply gave up and went home in tears when she couldn’t interpret and implement the parking App requirement (the only option available to her).
- Far too many over 50s are condescended to in retail spaces – being patronised or made to feel invisible by the shop staff.
How sad are these findings? A huge government campaign is needed to address these issues on a community wide level. Education and training is key.
This is personal. The plan to reduce Ageism really needs to gain more momentum.
We all, regardless of our stage of life, want to age well. Let’s end Ageism and its negative aspects. Let’s see more cases of Age Discrimination treated with far greater seriousness. Our Elder citizens deserve so much better than invisibility, dismissal, and poor treatment.
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in all aspects of the law in relation to Elder people. Contact them on 1800961622 or visit www.brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
