Tackling ageism
Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment based only upon age. Ageism against older people is having negative attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be older. It is not recognising them for their skills, abilities and valuing them as people. It is very common in Australia. Without realising it, most of us are a little bit ageist at least some of the time.
Ageism is a serious problem that affects people everywhere. It can lead to poor health, loneliness, and even cost society billions of dollars. Ageism is when people treat others unfairly because of their age, and it can be either subtle or obvious. This kind of prejudice can make older people feel less confident, affect their health, and limit their opportunities in life. It can also prevent them from participating in their communities and contributing in ways that benefit everyone.
We are part of the EveryAGE Counts coalition, a group working to stop ageism against older Australians. We're committed to making a difference.
Campbelltown City Council has started an online Ageism Awareness Training program. Funded by the Office for Ageing Well, this program was created with the help of Enlightening Education. It teaches people about ageism, its effects, and how to challenge unfair ideas through storytelling.
The training includes powerful stories from local community members. The stories tell us how ageism has affected their lives in negative ways. The training also tells us what every person can do to stop this from happening in the future. We are grateful to everyone who shared their personal experiences and took the time to be part of the project.
Ageism awareness training for community
The training is freely available for everyone. Access the training via the link below or by importing the SCORM file into your organisation's learning management system.
Online Ageism Awareness Training (Community)
Ageism awareness training for Local Government
The training is freely available for all Local Government staff, Elected Members and Volunteers in South Australia, nationally and Internationally. Access the training via the link below or by importing the SCORM file into your organisation's learning management system.
Online Ageism Awareness Training (Local Government)
'EveryAGE Counts' is a campaign that fights against ageism towards older Australians. It’s a big effort to change how people think about ageing and older people, aiming to create a positive shift in society’s attitudes.
We are proud to be part of the EveryAGE Counts coalition, and we are committed to supporting the campaign.
The vision of the EveryAGE Counts campaign is 'to create a society where every person is valued, connected, and respected, regardless of age or health.'
To read more about the EveryAGE counts campaign, visit www.everyagecounts.org.au.
Tackling ageism is everyone’s responsibility. The culture we set now, about how we treat older people will be exactly what we inherit, as we get older. When you treat older people badly because of their age, you are actually discriminating against your future self.
You can:
- Complete the 20 minute online Ageism Awareness Training
- Take the Am I Ageist? Quiz
- Take 'The Pledge' by visiting the EveryAGE Counts website
- You can find out more about ageism by viewing the resources below.
- Visit the Every Age Counts website.
- View the 'Let’s End Ageism' Ted Talk by Ashton Applewhite.
- View the 'Imagine a World Without Ageism' video