Ageism continues to persist in Australian society, affecting various aspects of people's lives. EveryAGE Counts, a national campaign against ageism, has declared the date for Australia's third Ageism Awareness Day as Saturday 7 October 2023.

The purpose of Ageism Awareness Day is to remind all Australians that ageism is still rife within the Australian community. Ageism has a direct adverse impact on the lives of many Australians in such areas as aged care, provision of health services and employment and is a major factor in the incidence of elder abuse.

“Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of people solely on the basis of age. Ageism has devastating impacts on physical and mental health, longevity, employment prospects and participation opportunities,” says Robert Tickner AO, the spokesperson for EveryAGE Counts.

EveryAGE Counts surveyed over 1000 people over the age of 50 in 2022 researching people’s experience and attitudes towards ageism. Results indicated: 

• 68 percent of all over-50s agree 'ageism against older people is a serious problem in Australia.
• 74 percent of all over-50s believe Australia is 'not doing enough to raise awareness of ageism and fight against it.'
• 58 percent of over-50s want a government campaign to raise awareness about ageism and its effects
• People in their 60s are the most likely older Australians to have experienced ageism in the past year - 37 percent versus 26 percent for over-50s more generally
• 36 percent of over-50s say 'People have assumed I cannot understand or learn new technology' 
• 21 percent of over-50s say ‘People have insisted on doing things for me that I am capable of doing on my own'
• 28 percent of 50-59 year olds say 'My applications for jobs have been rejected because of my age'



Many organisations already have plans in place to mark Ageism Awareness Day. EveryAGE Counts is urging organisations and Councils to hold events in the week before or the week after this date to build community support for tackling ageism.