The age group that experiences ageism the most
Australians over the age of 50 consider ageism to be a serious problem particularly as they get older.
A new poll of 1,000 Aussies conducted by RedBridge Group placed them in age groups - 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s age groups, ahead of the nation’s Ageism Awareness Day on Friday.
The research found that 68 per cent of people aged over 50 have experienced ageism and consider it a huge issue.
However, those in their 80s dismissed ageism by being the group to complain the least about it.
Dr Marlene Krasovitsky, the head of EveryAGE Counts, said it is evident that from the poll results, Aussies are feeling “powerless” when it comes to ageing.
"Ageism is pervasive, but often hidden. The only way we can end it is to bring it out of the shadows,” she said.
"Often older Australians feel powerless when we encounter ageism. However, if we know what it looks like and name it, we can take constructive actions in response. In this way each of us can help build an Australia without ageism.
"People often don't know how to approach difficult conversations about ageism, but we know there are approaches that work better than others. For example, it's tempting to argue that 'one day you'll be in my shoes,' but the latest research shows people find it hard to conceptualise their future selves, and that it may actually be more persuasive to simply explain the impact the ageism had on you personally.”
Ageism Awareness Day ambassador Monica Trapaga suggested a way to tackle the negativity surrounding ageism is by spreading awareness.
“So much ageism happens unconsciously, and it's allowed to keep happening because we don't feel sufficiently informed or empowered to push back,” she said.
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