So what’s it like to be ‘old’ now?

COTA Victoria will celebrate the International Day of Older Persons by hosting a conversation event with four older Australians unafraid to speak up and challenge assumptions around ageing.

The event, to be chaired by Lee Lin Chin, will see Jane Caro, Frances Gilley and Lois Peeler debate what it’s like to be an older person in a society that is challenged by ageism.

Lee Lin Chin has cult status on social media platforms, and a long history of media experience, most notably as an SBS television newsreader.

Social commentator and writer Jane Caro is a regular participant on the ABC’s Gruen Transfer, while Lois Peeler is principal of Worawa Aboriginal College, songstress of Sapphires fame and a noted indigenous leader with a passion for girls’ education.

Ordained as an Anglican priest, former Brotherhood of St Laurence chief executive Frances Gilley is an international leader of social enterprise startups and a Melbourne City councillor.

The event will take place at the Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Collins St, on October 4 from 1-2.30pm.

TAPPING the talents, contributions and participation of older people in society will be front and centre during International Day of Older Persons events across Australia on October 1.

The United Nations sanctioned day aims to enable and expand the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies.

The UN says that between 2015 and 2030, the number of older people worldwide will increase by 56 per cent – from 901 million to more than 1.4 billion. By 2030, the number of people aged 60 and over will be greater than people aged 15-24.