Published on 5 October 2022
Ageism is stereotyping and/or discrimination against individuals or a group because of their age. Elder abuse is the worst example of ageism.
Friday 7 October marks Ageism Awareness Day, with this year’s theme: ‘Ageism: End It’.
To mark this day, and Seniors Month – which runs for all of October – The Elder Abuse Project Team invite all Western Health staff to join them at the following events to learn more about ageism.
Webinar – Tuesday 11 October from 11am-12pm
This webinar will feature presentations by:
Dr Marlene Krasovitsky, Campaign Director, EveryAGE Counts.
Opening comments: ageing, ageism, and opportunities for positive change in Australia.
Mark Chenery, Co-founder Common Cause Australia.
Lecture: ‘framing age message guide’ – recommendations that assist with talking about age, ageing and issues that affect older Australians in ways that reduce ageist attitudes and behaviours.
Pop-up information stalls – throughout October
Come down and meet the Elder Abuse Project Team and play ‘Ageism Snakes & Ladders’ to earn yourself a free coffee or chocolate frog! The stalls will be at the following locations:
- Footscray Hospital (main foyer across from security): Wednesday 5 October from 11am-1.30pm
- Sunshine Hospital (café): Wednesday 19 October from 11am-1.30pm
- Williamstown Hospital (café): Wednesday 26 October from 11am-1.30pm
Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Sunbury stalls at yet to be confirmed.
HEALTHPLAY Event: Wednesday 3 November from 11am-1.30pm
Join the team online to explore older Victorians’ experiences of ageing, ageism and elder abuse with presentations from:
- Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians
- Anthony Plummer, Executive Director, Seniors, Elder Abuse Reform and Veterans
This session will close with a moving performance by HEALTHPLAY titled ‘Do you know me?’, depicting a provocative lived experience of aging, disability and abuse. This play aims to improve communication between staff & care recipients by illustrating that every person has a story to tell.
Learn more about these events by contacting Western Health’s Elder Abuse Liaison Officer: Carla.Wilkie@wh.org.au or 0423 842 103.
These events have been organised by Western Health’s Elder Abuse Project Team. This team is a key component of the Department of Health integrated model of care framework for responding to suspected elder abuse.
You can also get involved in Ageism Awareness Day by taking the EveryAGE Counts pledge:
‘We stand for a world without ageism where all people of all ages are valued and respected and their contributions are acknowledged. We commit to speak out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life.’