Tackling Ageism

South Australia's Office for Ageing Well works to tackle ageism and safeguard the rights of older people. This includes the right to make their own decisions, work, stay safe, and be treated with dignity and respect.

Ageism is when someone is treated unfairly or badly just because of their age, for example -

• Workplace discrimination: Older employees may be passed over for promotions or training opportunities.
• Healthcare bias: Older patients may have treatable conditions dismissed as "just part of ageing."
• Media representation: Older adults may be depicted as frail, forgetful, or out of touch.
• Social exclusion: Older people and people with disability may be excluded from social activities.
• Everyday interactions: Forgetfulness may be casually dismissed as a "senior moment."
• Technology use: Older people may be assumed to lack the ability to learn or use new technology.

Why tackle ageism?

Promoting negative stereotypes and attitudes can lead to abuse, neglect and mistreatment of older people.

By addressing ageism at all levels, we can build a healthier, more inclusive, and respectful community for everyone.

How you can help tackle ageism

There are many things you can do to ensure the older people in our community are treated with dignity and respect.

Take part in the Elder Abuse Prevention Community Awareness campaign

Our annual community awareness campaign incorporates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is held every year on 15 June — a global event that shines a spotlight on the mistreatment of older people and calls for action to uphold their dignity and rights.

Stand up to ageism and help shut down the potential for mistreatment and neglect.

Ageism can lead to abuse. How do you treat the older people in your life?

Learn more about ageism and the rights of older people. Use our free resources to spread the word.

Tackling Ageism campaign resources

Share information and videos through your website or social channels and use our resources to support others, including staff, to learn more.

Build your knowledge and skills in tackling ageism

Our 'Bystander Action for Ageing Well' module provides education and training to help you understand and fight ageism.

Information and training modules for Bystander Action.

Challenge ageism with our Age Positive Communication Toolkit

The 'Age Positive Communication Toolkit' helps you challenge ageism and promote respectful, inclusive communication about older people.

Age Positive Communication Toolkit.