The Regional Australia Institute urges regional leaders to join the fight against ageism
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is proud to be a member of the Coalition behind the EveryAGE counts campaign launched today. The national campaign is aimed at tackling ageism and positively influencing the way all Australians think about ageing and older people.
Research conducted by the RAI demonstrates that regional communities are ageing faster than our cities. Therefore, confronting ageism and helping older people stay in the workforce are headline issues for the future of regions.
After taking the pledge this morning, RAI CEO, Jack Archer urged regional leaders around the country to join the campaign to defeat ageism.
“Ageism undermines the social fabric of regional communities and impacts the local economy. It is up to all of us to take a stand against it,” Mr Archer said.
Tackling outdated negative attitudes and beliefs about older Australians will reduce discrimination and enable greater social and economic participation.
The EveryAGE counts campaign seeks to challenge ageism and calls for community support, political engagement and new policy initiatives.
Targeted trials for regions is a key recommendation of the campaign and builds on the RAI’s Ageing and work in Regional Australia: Pathways for accelerating economic growth report, which identifies locally tailored policy options to suit the needs and challenges in our oldest regions.
“A combination of policy options in association with local older workforce and business engagement strategies will have the dual benefit of acting early where the challenge is greater,” Jack Archer said.
“Coastal lifestyle regions such as the Far South Coast, Mid North Coast, and the Northern Rivers in New South Wales and Wide Bay Burnett in Queensland are the fastest ageing regions in Australia.
“These communities and older inland communities such as Wheatbelt, Murray and Hume must be a priority for tackling the impacts of ageism and trialling new solutions for older workers.” Mr Archer concluded.
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For all media enquiries please contact:
Gabby Iannelli
M: 0413 612 726
E: [email protected]
Additional information:
For a full list of ageing regions read the report here: Ageing and work in regional Australia: Pathways for accelerating economic growth and Data Tool.
Ageism campaign: www.everyagecounts.org.au
