Every Age Counts Campaign

 

The EveryAGE Counts campaign was launched in Sydney on October 11, 2018 by Dr Kay Patterson AO (Commonwealth Age Discrimination Commissioner) with Robert Tickner AO.  Campaign co-chair is Kirsty Nowlan of The Benevolent Society, and there is an impressive list of organisation and individual members.

Robert Tickner said that what marks our age from other forms of prejudice and discrimination is that, if we are lucky, all of us can experience old age.  “It’s why ageism is often described as discrimination against your future self” he said.  He called for a National Agenda for Older Australians to improve economic, social, health and civic participation outcomes for older people.

The EveryAGE Counts campaign will build a people’s movement so all Australians can be involved in the change they want to see.  The campaign will equip individuals and groups everywhere to speak out against ageism wherever they find it.

Ageism is not benign or harmless.  It is a big problem because it impacts on our confidence, quality of life, job prospects, health, and control over life decisions.  It is pervasive but often hidden and can have profound negative effects on our personal experience of growing older.  Ageism can also deny society the enormous range of benefits that can flow, economically and socially, from the full participation of older people.

The campaign asks all Australians to take action by visiting the campaign website everyagecounts.org.au, signing the pledge, watching the video,  sharing with friends and family on social media, and sharing stories.  Links to their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be found on the website.