Ditching old stereotypes
The report by the family and community development committee captured the growing awareness that growing older is much more than a matter of numbers, and that, like the rest of society, older people are diverse and not a homogenous group.
The committee grappled with the tension between making sure older people remained engaged and relevant and the barriers society puts in the way. It advocated a rethink of approaches to longevity and how to achieve an age-friendly Victoria.
The inquiry, which handed down its findings last year, examined the vast contribution of older people, but also noted that they faced "widespread and entrenched ageism in society that manifests in explicit and implicit ways".
Such attitudes were broad, far-reaching, and deeply embedded in society, perpetuated by the idolisation of youthful appearance and vitality, assumptions and stereotypes, the committee heard.
While ageism in the workplace received the most attention, it also extended to areas such as access to education, accommodation and services.
The sense of being "invisible" was strong. "We hear frequently from our members that when you are 60 you start thinking you are becoming invisible, when you are 70 you begin to believe you are becoming invisible and by the time you are 80 you really are invisible," National Seniors Australia told the inquiry.
"Societal attitudes to ageing are still entrenched in an expectation that older people are less with it, less capable, less attractive, less useful, and less desirable," Uniting Aged Care said in its submission.
VincentCare told how the attitudes were reflected in daily life. Older people felt they were "no longer respected as people or even valued customers" by public servants and banks, utilities providers and shops.
A consistent message was that to foster the participation of older people in Victoria, more must be done to challenge perceptions of ageing.
The inquiry heard that older people are frequently perceived as frail, slow, dependent and unproductive. "The reality, however, is generally the reverse."
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The Victorian seniors inquiry focuses on understanding the diverse experiences of older people and addressing the widespread ageism they face in society. It aims to rethink approaches to longevity and create an age-friendly Victoria.
Ageism manifests in society through entrenched stereotypes and assumptions about older people being less capable, less attractive, and less useful. It affects their access to education, accommodation, services, and even their visibility in daily life.
The report highlights stereotypes that older people are frail, slow, dependent, and unproductive. However, the reality is often the opposite, with many older individuals leading active and engaged lives.
Older people feel 'invisible' due to societal attitudes that undervalue their contributions and capabilities. This sense of invisibility increases with age, as they feel less respected and valued by public services and businesses.
Ageism in the workplace is a significant issue, as it limits opportunities for older individuals to remain engaged and relevant. It perpetuates the idea that older workers are less capable, which is a barrier to their participation.
Society can challenge perceptions of ageing by promoting the diverse contributions of older people and addressing stereotypes. Encouraging active participation and valuing the experiences of older individuals are key steps.
VincentCare reported that older people often feel disrespected and undervalued as customers by public servants, banks, utilities providers, and shops, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards ageing.
Creating an age-friendly Victoria is important to ensure that older people can live fulfilling lives without facing barriers due to ageism. It involves rethinking societal attitudes and fostering environments where older individuals are respected and valued.
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