Ageism – combatting a national problem - Social

Let’s all educate ourselves and others to end age discrimination.

More older Australians are choosing to age at home

For the first time in Australia the total number of people receiving Home Care Packages – 215,743 – is more than those living in residential care – 180,750.

In a survey for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, 80 per cent of Australians indicated a strong preference to stay living in their own home should they ever need support.

Ageism remains a significant issue in Australia

People are living longer and healthier lives, yet it’s in a world where ageism is prevalent. A recent report by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that:

90% of Australians agree ageism exists.
83% believe it’s a problem.

What is ageism?

Ageism is defined as a prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age. It causes significant damage to:

Individuals
The economy
Society

According to the World Health Organization, ageism is associated with:

Earlier death (by 7.5 years)
Poorer physical health
Poorer mental health
Slower recovery from disability in older age

Small actions can help challenge age discrimination

Thankfully there are small things we can do to challenge ageism, starting with our children. Like questioning current behaviours.

The growing trend of celebrating 100 days of school

There is a growing trend for children to celebrate their first 100 days of primary school.

Some schools reward their youngest learners with a box of smarties as they are now ‘100 days smarter’. Other schools invite children to dress-up as a 100-year-old.

When doing so, the most popular choice is:

Wearing pyjamas and slippers
Having dishevelled hair
Using a walking aid

Children, often encouraged by teachers and parents:

Hunch over
Pretend not to hear
Talk loudly
Act grumpy

Many teachers, parents and children seem comfortable with transforming their classrooms into a nursing home for people with high-care needs.

But if all these children were to live to 100 years of age – would they all live in a nursing home? Given the statistics above, it’s unlikely.

A different perspective on growing older

As the Head of Person-Centred Design and Research at integratedliving, I sent my daughter Maggie to her school in NSW with a different approach.

Maggie was inspired by her own great-grandmother, Vivienne, who loved travelling. Maggie took on the persona of 100-year-old ‘Summer’, who:

Enjoys going on vacations with her girlfriends
Has an upcoming trip to Mykonos

Celebrating positive ageing

Meanwhile, integratedliving Design Officer, Taleiha Hobson-Rozyn, sent her son Jai to his school in a different part of NSW as 100-year-old ‘Myles’, who likes to go for walks through the rainforest.

Jai wore a checkered shirt with high socks, just like his great grandfather, Alan.

Creating a world without ageism

Building meaningful social connections is one way we can challenge ageism and support positive ageing. Read our article on Helping seniors overcome loneliness to learn practical ways to stay connected and engaged. Let’s stand for a world where all people of all ages are: