MPs and Senators across Australia have been challenged to tackle the complex issue of ageism against older people.
They've been encouraged to sign the EveryAGE Counts campaign pledge.
EveryAGE Counts is a campaign to tackle ageism faced by older Australians. It includes 20 high-profile Australian organisations.
Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment based solely upon age. When directed towards older people, it comes from negative attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be older.
At an event, hosted by Parliamentary Friends of Ageing and Aged Care, co-convenors, Senator Dean Smith and MP Julie Collins called on all parliamentarians to unite in a commitment to ending ageism by taking the EveryAGE Counts campaign pledge:
"I stand for a world without ageism where all people of all ages are valued and respected and their contributions are acknowledged. I commit to speak out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life."
Addressing the event, Senior Australians and Aged Care minister, Ken Wyatt said: “To make the most of our longer lives, we must build a culture of inclusion and respect for older Australians.
“Ageing is an opportunity that all generations must embrace, so our elders and communities are healthy, safe, connected and productive and older Australians can realise their full potential.”
The EveryAGE Counts campaign’s co-chair, Robert Tickner said addressing ageism – especially in the workforce – was an issue for all Australians, irrespective of political backgrounds.
“Every Australian has the right to participate equally in our communities, to be valued and heard at every age. The very challenging goal of the EveryAGE Counts campaign is to shift destructive and deeply entrenched social norms that are currently limiting and preventing this equal participation,” said Mr Tickner.
“If we want current and future generations to have the chance to age well – and our whole society to benefit from the full participation of all its citizens, including older people - it is essential that we adequately address the issue of ageism now.”
I stand for a world without ageism where all people of all ages are valued and respected and their contributions are acknowledged. I commit to speak out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life.
- EveryAGE Counts pledge
The EveryAGE Counts website includes a three minute video – An Australia without Ageism – spoken by Australian film legend, Bryan Brown. The website also invites Australians to sign the pledge and take the quiz: Am I ageist?
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