Introduction: When Growing Older Means Being Overlooked
Australia prides itself on fairness, opportunity, and respect. Yet for many older Australians, ageing can bring not only wisdom and experience — but also invisibility.
Ageism is not always obvious. It may appear in subtle comments about being “past your prime.” It may surface in recruitment decisions that favour younger applicants. It may be embedded in healthcare interactions where symptoms are dismissed as “just ageing.” It may influence housing access, financial security, and public policy priorities.
Recent national research has highlighted just how widespread these experiences are.
According to the State of the Older Nation 2025 Report released by COTA Australia, approximately half of older respondents reported feeling less valued compared to their younger selves. Many described encountering age-based discrimination in employment, healthcare, and everyday interactions.
The issue is not isolated. It is structural.
To read the full report, visit:
State Of The Older Nation (SOTON) 2025 Report – COTA Australia
Ageism is not merely a social inconvenience. It has measurable consequences for economic security, mental health, workforce participation, and housing stability.
Understanding its impact is the first step toward change.
What Is Ageism?
Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination directed at individuals or groups based on their age.
It can operate on multiple levels:
- Individual level – personal attitudes and behaviours
- Institutional level – policies and practices that disadvantage older people
- Cultural level – societal narratives that devalue ageing
Ageism can be explicit, such as refusing employment due to age. It can also be subtle, such as assuming an older person cannot use technology or make complex decisions.
In many cases, ageism intersects with other forms of discrimination, including gender inequality, disability stigma, and cultural bias.
The Findings of the State of the Older Nation 2025 Report
The SOTON 2025 Report presents a sobering picture.
Key findings include:
- Around 50% of older respondents feel less valued than when they were younger
- Many reported experiencing discrimination in employment
- Ageism was frequently reported within health settings
- Older women were more likely to experience financial insecurity
- Housing stability remains a growing concern
During a National Press Club address, COTA Australia Chair Christopher Pyne emphasised the need for a coordinated, long-term response to ageism.
He called for:
- A 10-year national action plan
- Measurable outcomes
- Dedicated funding for prevention initiatives
- A national research program to better understand systemic patterns
These recommendations reflect recognition that ageism is not a short-term issue — it requires sustained structural reform.
Ageism in Employment: Experience Without Opportunity
One of the most persistent areas of discrimination occurs in employment.
Older Australians often report:
- Being overlooked for promotion
- Being excluded from training
- Being pressured into early retirement
- Having applications ignored without explanation
- Facing assumptions about productivity
Despite decades of experience and professional knowledge, older workers may encounter barriers when seeking new roles.
This creates several consequences:
- Reduced income security
- Lower superannuation accumulation
- Earlier reliance on government supports
- Psychological impact and reduced self-esteem
Gender Disparity in Workforce Participation
The report also highlighted a significant gender gap.
Women over 50 are less likely to be employed than men in the same age group. Many retire with substantially lower superannuation balances due to:
- Career interruptions for caregiving
- Part-time work patterns
- Wage disparities
- Limited access to advancement opportunities
The long-term result is greater financial vulnerability among older women.
Healthcare and Age-Based Assumptions
Ageism in healthcare can be particularly damaging.
Older Australians have reported experiences such as:
- Symptoms dismissed as “normal ageing”
- Limited access to certain treatments
- Reduced involvement in decision-making
- Assumptions about cognitive capacity
Such attitudes can delay diagnosis, reduce treatment options, and undermine trust.
Healthcare decisions should be based on clinical need, not chronological age.
Informed consent and shared decision-making are core rights — regardless of age.
Financial Security and Retirement Inequality
Ageism contributes to financial insecurity in multiple ways.
When employment opportunities shrink, income declines. When income declines, retirement savings suffer.
Older Australians facing discrimination may:
- Retire earlier than planned
- Withdraw superannuation prematurely
- Rely more heavily on pension support
- Experience housing instability
For women in particular, cumulative inequality compounds over time.
Addressing ageism in employment is therefore not only about dignity — it is about long-term economic sustainability.
Housing Policy and Ageing
Housing insecurity is an emerging issue.
Rising property prices and rental costs disproportionately affect older individuals who:
- Do not own property
- Have limited retirement savings
- Have experienced relationship breakdown
- Have interrupted workforce participation
Ageism can compound housing disadvantage when landlords or housing policies implicitly favour younger tenants.
Policy reform aimed at improving affordable housing options for older Australians is increasingly urgent.
Secure housing supports:
- Health stability
- Community connection
- Reduced hospitalisation
- Delayed entry into residential aged care
Housing policy and age equality are deeply connected.
The Psychological Impact of Feeling Devalued
When half of older Australians report feeling less valued than their younger selves, the impact extends beyond economics.
Chronic exposure to ageism can lead to:
- Reduced self-confidence
- Social withdrawal
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Internalised negative stereotypes
Research consistently shows that internalised ageism can even influence physical health outcomes.
Societal attitudes shape self-perception.
When ageing is framed as decline rather than contribution, older people may begin to doubt their own worth.
The Broader Economic Case for Addressing Ageism
Reducing ageism is not merely a moral imperative — it is an economic strategy.
Australia faces:
- An ageing population
- Workforce shortages in key sectors
- Increased demand for skilled labour
- Growing healthcare costs
Encouraging continued workforce participation among older Australians can:
- Increase tax revenue
- Reduce pension pressure
- Support intergenerational collaboration
- Preserve institutional knowledge
Inclusion benefits the entire economy.
Building a National Response
COTA Australia has called for:
- A 10-year national strategy
- Clear measurable targets
- Funding for prevention initiatives
- Ongoing research
A national framework could include:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Employer education programs
- Anti-discrimination enforcement
- Policy audits
- Workforce participation incentives
- Data collection and reporting
Structural problems require structural solutions.
Changing the Cultural Narrative of Ageing
Cultural change is equally important.
Australia must move beyond narratives that equate youth with value and ageing with decline.
Older Australians contribute:
- Professional expertise
- Volunteer leadership
- Community cohesion
- Intergenerational mentorship
- Cultural continuity
Celebrating these contributions reshapes societal perceptions.
Practical Steps Individuals Can Take
While systemic reform is essential, individuals can also:
- Report discrimination through appropriate channels
- Seek workplace mediation
- Engage in community advocacy
- Participate in lifelong learning
- Stay socially connected
- Share lived experiences
Collective voices strengthen reform efforts.
The Intersection Between Ageism and Aged Care
Ageism can influence how older Australians are treated within aged care systems.
If older individuals are viewed as passive or incapable, it may affect:
- Service design
- Communication practices
- Funding priorities
- Autonomy in decision-making
Australia’s aged care reforms emphasise dignity, choice, and consumer control.
Challenging ageism aligns directly with these reform principles.
A Future Built on Respect
Addressing ageism requires:
- Policy reform
- Cultural shift
- Economic strategy
- Community engagement
It demands recognition that ageing is not a burden — it is a universal human experience.
A society that values older people ultimately values its future
Reference
To read the full research findings, visit:
State Of The Older Nation (SOTON) 2025 Report – COTA Australia
How Support Services Connect Australia Can Help
Navigating aged care and support systems can be challenging, particularly when older Australians already feel overlooked or undervalued.
Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) is a professional team with over 25 years’ experience in the Australian aged care sector.
Our free Care Finding service helps older Australians and families:
- Understand Home Care Package requirements
- Compare provider structures and fees
- Clarify service inclusions
- Match needs, preferences, and location with suitable providers
- Reduce confusion around terminology and funding
We use clear, easy-to-understand language and respect your right to make informed decisions.
If you are exploring aged care options and want independent, no-obligation guidance, our Care Finding service is available to support you.