Let’s Talk Ageism: An Ageism Awareness Day Conversation

Ageism is when someone treats an older person badly because of their age, like believing older people can’t make decisions for themselves, using patronising names, or making so-called jokes about ageing.

But those attitudes have an enormous impact on older people. Ageism can lead to poor physical and mental health, financial insecurity, loneliness and social isolation, and early death.

In 2021 OPAN is marking International Day of Older Persons and Australia’s inaugural Ageism Awareness Day with a conversation about ageism, its impact, and how we can each play a part in combatting harmful stereotypes.

In this recording you will hear Samantha Edmond, OPAN’s Manager – Policy & Systemic Advocacy, in conversation with Kevyn Morris, Robert Han, Val Fell, Grahame Smith and Lesley Forster, members of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group, who each have their own stories and solutions to share.

This was event streamed live on Facebook Live and Zoom on 1 October 2021 in a conversation about the impact of ageist stereotypes and how to champion a community free of ageism.