Ageism is one of those things we often recognise more easily when it happens to someone else.
A joke about “having a senior moment.”
An assumption that an older person will struggle with technology.
A compliment that doesn’t quite feel like one: “You’re amazing for your age.”
A decision made on someone’s behalf because, surely, they wouldn’t be interested.
None of these moments may seem dramatic on their own. But together they shape expectations. And expectations shape opportunities.
That is why ageism belongs squarely in the diversity and inclusion conversation.
We often think about diversity in terms of culture, gender, disability, background or experience. Age is part of diversity too. And inclusion is about much more than simply allowing people to be present. It is about whether people feel respected, valued, listened to and able to participate fully.
We are not all the same because we are older
One of the biggest problems with ageism is the way it compresses an enormously diverse group of people into a single label.
“Older people” can describe someone in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.
Within that span are people with completely different lives, abilities, interests, cultures, ambitions, health conditions, confidence, experience and expectations.
Some are working. Some are volunteering. Some are travelling. Some are studying. Some are caring for others. Some are learning their first digital skills while others have used technology throughout their careers.
Age tells us something about how long a person has lived. It tells us very little about who that person actually is. And yet age can quietly influence who is invited, who is encouraged, who is listened to and whose ideas are taken seriously.
That is where diversity becomes an inclusion issue.
Sometimes ageism comes from us
Ageism is not always something “other people” do.
We can absorb ageist attitudes ourselves.
How often do we hear -- or perhaps even say:
“I’m too old for that.”
Sometimes it’s simply a joke. But sometimes we have begun accepting a limitation before we have even tested it.
We can also make assumptions about other people with the best of intentions.
She probably won’t want to come at night.
He won’t be interested in learning that.
They won’t understand the technology.
We may think we are being considerate, but there is a difference between offering support and removing choice. Inclusion means asking rather than assuming.
The small moments matter
Changing ageism doesn’t necessarily require a confrontation or a campaign. Often the most powerful opportunities arise in ordinary conversation.
Someone makes an ageist comment.
We hear it.
And there is a small moment when we can either let it pass – or become a “quiet Ambassador” and gently challenge the assumption behind it.
The shift can be subtle, but powerful. We move from limitation to possibility.
From assumption to choice. From age to the individual.
Inclusion is not pretending age doesn’t exist
There is an important distinction here.
Being inclusive doesn’t mean pretending ageing is irrelevant. Peoples’ needs can change. Accessibility matters. Health matters. Energy levels, confidence and circumstances can change too.
But recognising a person's needs is very different from deciding what that person is capable of purely because of their age.
Good inclusion asks:
What does this person need to participate?
Ageism says:
People that age probably can’t participate.
That difference matters.
Imagine if we became better at noticing
What if more of us simply began noticing ageism when it appeared? Not with anger. Not with embarrassment, but with curiosity.
What if we became comfortable asking:
“Why do we think that?”
“Are we making an assumption?”
“Have we actually asked them?”
Those are small questions, but they can open surprisingly big doors. Because ultimately, tackling ageism is not about being “politically correct”.
It is about allowing people to continue being fully themselves as they grow older.
To learn, contribute, change their minds, try something new, take leadership, make mistakes and belong. Perhaps that is the simplest definition of inclusion we can carry with us:
See the person before the age.
Notice the assumption.
Challenge it when it matters.
And keep the Ageism conversation open.
Because none of us should reach an age when other people quietly begin deciding who we are allowed to be.
Lyn Goodall, U3A Victoria Vice President - Growth & Sustainability
Ageism Awareness Day - October 9 each year - is an annual event that highlights the impacts of ageism in Australia and is supported by the EveryAGE Counts coalition, which works to challenge stereotypes, discrimination, and mistreatment of older Australians.
The day encourages public awareness and community engagement, with activities such as discussions, events, and symbolic gestures like lighting up Melbourne Town Hall in green to show support.
The campaign emphasises the importance of ending ageism to improve job prospects, confidence, health, and quality of life for older Australians, while promoting their full participation in society.
EveryAGE Counts provides resources, guides, and materials to help individuals and organisations actively challenge ageist attitudes and practices,
In 2026, Australians are encouraged to participate in events and conversations during Ageism Awareness Day to recognise the contributions of older people and advocate for a society free from age-based discrimination.