Ageism Awareness
What is ageism?
Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment based solely on a person’s age. When it is aimed at older people, ageism comes from negative attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be older.
Ageism is a lack of respect for older people.
It is frequently revealed in attitudes to older people’s abilities. The belief that a person is ‘too old’ for a job, a promotion or an item of clothing is an example of ageism. It affects people’s self-confidence, quality of life, job prospects and health. At its extreme, ageism contributes to elder abuse.
What is Council doing?
We recognise that ageism can negatively impact the job prospects, confidence, health, quality of life and control over life decisions of our constituents. Ageism can limit people from participating in our communities as full citizens and can impact physical health, mental health and longevity.
We joined the EveryAGE Counts coalition to actively support and participate in the EveryAGE Counts Campaign to end ageism and join with others in our communities to create a society where every person is valued, connected, and respected, regardless of age.
On 1 October 2021, the Mayor took the pledge to stand for a world without ageism, where all people of all ages are valued and respected and their contributions are acknowledged. We commit to speak out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life.
Our Older Persons Advisory Committee (OPAC) is now in its 24th year. The committee works with Council to raise awareness of ageism and advocate against the discrimination of older people.
Members of the OPAC, 2024.