Anti-ageism advocacy campaign EveryAGE Counts has launched a new language guide aimed at ending ageism in aged care.
EveryAGE Counts advocacy campaigner Joel Pringle says the launch of the guide is vital to empower older Australians broadly, not just people receiving aged care services.
“The way we talk and interact with older people really matters for their health and quality of life,” said Mr Pringle.
“Despite good intentions, unfortunately, many people of all ages still equate older age with negativity.
“Being aware of our language can undermine ageism, instead of reinforcing it.
“That’s how we can end ageism,” he said.
Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan says coming up to Christmas when people will be interacting with family members of all ages, it’s important to keep the message of the language guide front of mind.
“It’s easy to use ageist language unknowingly because often it is learnt behaviour. We might not realise how disempowering and patronising our words are,” she said.
“This language guide shows how societal change can start at home as simply as changing the language we use to address each other.
“The language guide is an important resource that Brisbane North PHN and our healthy@home consortium members have worked diligently to develop with EveryAGE Counts.
“The language guide’s message is that it is kinder and better for everyone’s health to stop and think before we speak.”
The guide contains simple tools and practical advice for healthcare workers and was developed in collaboration with Brisbane North PHN and the healthy@home consortium.
The guide was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
For more information and to access the guide, click here.
