Your Time Magazine Brisbane - June 2022

FEATURE STORY

New norms needed as ‘ageing’ takes on new meanings Numerous studies report over 55’s bearing the brunt of age discrimination in both work and social life, MARION KERR highlights the findings and personal experiences of older age-groups.

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new Australian movie “How to Please Women” touches on many intergenerational issues. However, it starts with a big one, that is, age discrimination in the workplace,. The movie told with humour, artistry and ultimate success, unfolds as a woman over 50-years-old loses her job, although she is told it is due to a

‘restructure’, it becomes apparent this is not the real reason. The storyline follows the narrative of her job solution and along the way features a man over 50 years feeling good about his computer knowledge, until a twenty something year-old, does it all so much better. The reality is that our generation is

living and working longer than any other. ‘Longevity’ is a word sprinkled generously through many topics and conversations. This is particularly so in Australia, where we have one of the planet’s highest life expectancies. The fact is highlighted when you consider the period between 1891-1900 when men’s expected life span was 51.1 and

women, just a tad longer at 54.8 years. Today, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) notes that a woman aged 65 in 2017-2019 could expect to live another 22 years (expected age at death of 87) and men aged 65 in 2017–2019 could expect to live another 20 years (an expected age at death of 85). Our better standard of living in the areas of health services, food, housing and education have all contributed to the increase. Yet, while we applaud a world that facilitates a better and longer life, prejudices resulting in age discrimination can hamper the joys of mature age. In fact, findings in the Australian Human Rights latest report (2021) ‘What’s age got to do with it? A snapshot of ageism across the Australian lifespan’ found that most Australians (90%) agree ageism exists in Australia, with 83% agreeing ageism is a problem and 65% saying it affects all people of all ages. The “EveryAGE Counts” national campaign, conducted by Australia’s Benevolent Society describes ageism as : “…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.” Last year’s United Nations first paper on ageism said: “Age is one of the first things we notice about other people. Ageism arises when age is used to categorise or divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice and erodes solidarity across generations.” At a time when Australians are

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Phone: 07 5493 8038 | www.scorthogroup.com.au 4 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / June 2022

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