Ageism is the enemy of creating positive and healthy ageing in society and the health care system. It also impacts on the effectiveness, productivity and well being of workers and their workplaces.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has built a strong body of work, based on research, industry consultation and over 40 workshops with front line workers, which highlight the benefits of age inclusive practices and workplaces.
In our research, older health consumers reported interactions with health professionals where they felt disrespected and disempowered, including being spoken to in condescending language. More importantly they felt excluded from the decisions that affected them directly. They felt voiceless and invisible.
Equally workers felt undervalued, ignored or denied opportunities based on their age alone. For older workers, career advancement and professional development opportunities were denied. For many, assumptions are wrongly made about their lack of adaptability, including to new technologies. For younger workers, they felt ignored, harassed or bullied. And for people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the level of discrimination is compounded.
Robert will explore practical approaches to reducing ageism, eliminating discrimination and creating age inclusive workplaces and health care settings for workers and health consumers of all ages. Creating inclusive multigenerational workplaces is critical for the well being of workers and those they serve.