Call to address ageism in Tasmania

Complaints of discrimination due to ageism are on the increase in Tasmania, almost doubling in the past year, according to a report by Anne Mather in the Hobart Mercury.

She wrote that experts are calling on governments to urgently address the discrimination and abuse faced by many members of the state’s rapidly ageing population.

Council of the Ageing (COTA) Tasmania says the state’s ageing population should be seen as a positive for the state, with potential for Tasmania to lead the way in creating age-friendly communities, industries and attitudes.

COTA wants the Government to establish a specific minister for ageing and a commissioner for ageing, as well as a Tasmania Later Years Foundation which would channel resources, information and support for older Tasmanians.

Latest statistics from the Tasmanian Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner show the number of complaints due to ageism rose sharply last financial year.

In the year ended June 30, 2009, there were 58 age discrimination complaints to the office, an increase from 32 complaints the previous year.

While the office was unable to give a breakdown, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, said she could confirm that older people had complained about age discrimination in employment including obtaining employment, termination or pressure to retire and reduction in working hours.

COTA chief executive, Maxine Griffiths, said there were too many negative attitudes about older people, with many pressured to leave the workforce before they felt ready.

Ms Griffiths said older Tasmanians also were facing rising rates of elder abuse, with 5-10% of vulnerable, frail and dependent older people subjected to physical bullying, emotional blackmail, sexual abuse and financial abuse by way of theft or fraud.

Tasmanian Social Inclusion Commissioner, David Adams, said he supported the idea of a Later Years Foundation and wanted more resources to address the needs of older Tasmanians.

Professor Adams said it was possible to tap into the wisdom and creativity of older people to generate economic and health benefits. He agreed Tasmania could be at the forefront of age-friendly planning, with initiatives such as larger road signs, parking spaces and more seating around community hubs.

“If you have creative, innovative industries around aged care you will attract younger people to drive them,” he said.