90% of Australians agree that ageism exists, highlighting how widespread the issue has become. Despite this awareness, many older Australians continue to experience discrimination in areas such as the workplace, healthcare and everyday interactions.
Ageism is often driven by negative stereotypes and assumptions about ageing, which can influence how older people are treated and perceived. Over time, these attitudes can have a significant impact on confidence, wellbeing and access to opportunities.
As Australia’s population continues to age, addressing ageism is becoming increasingly important.
So, what are the impacts of ageism, and what can we do to prevent it?
What is ageism?
Agism refers to discrimination that individuals or groups experience based on their age.
Agism often consists of negative stereotypes that are commonly associated with older people. These include:
• Are more likely to have health issues
• Have difficulty completing complex tasks
• Don’t care about their appearance
• Are more likely to be forgetful
• Can’t hear that well
• Have difficulty learning new things
• Are bad drivers
• Don’t like change
• Complain a lot
• Have a short temper
Ageism in healthcare
Around 47% of people surveyed have reported experiencing ageism when accessing healthcare. For example, many feel they have not received appropriate care or that their concerns have not been taken seriously.
These experiences are often driven by assumptions that older people are less deserving of care or that their health concerns are simply a result of ageing. As a result, older Australians may be misdiagnosed or avoid seeking the care they need. Addressing these attitudes is essential to ensure older Australians receive fair, appropriate and respectful care.
Impacts of ageism
Ageism can cause older people to feel less confident about their place in society and may affect how they view their own abilities. Over time, these attitudes can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health of seniors, as well as their overall quality of life.
This is reflected in recent data, with close to 72 per cent of older Western Australians reporting they have experienced age-based discrimination, up from 66 per cent in 2024.
How do we reduce ageism?
Recognise the contributions of older people
It’s important to recognise the skills, knowledge and experience that older people bring, as well as their ongoing contributions to society. Many older Australians remain active through volunteering, community involvement and other meaningful roles.
Recognise the signs of ageism
The wider community should be able to recognise the signs of ageism and take steps to address it. This includes challenging negative stereotypes and reconsidering common perceptions about ageing.
Provide targeted training for healthcare professionals and aged care workers
Targeted training can help healthcare professionals and aged care workers better understand the impact of ageism and how it can influence the care they provide. By increasing awareness of unconscious bias and promoting respectful, person-centred approaches, training can help ensure older Australians feel heard, valued and supported. This can lead to improved communication, better health outcomes and a higher quality of care overall.
In aged care, treating older Australians with dignity and respect is essential. Aged care workers are often on the front line of supporting older people, listening to their concerns and helping them maintain their quality of life. This makes skilled and compassionate workers especially important in meeting the needs of an ageing population.
Are you looking for a career in aged care? Aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including our resume writing service and cover letter writing service.
Article References
IRT (7 June 2025) ‘What is ageism and how can we stop it?’, IRT, accessed 20 March 2026.
Lloyd-Jones, K (20 November 2025) ‘‘Ageism is the enemy of healthy ageing’’, Australian Aging Agenda, accessed 20 March 2026.