Changing perspectives: Testing an ageism Intervention
Tracks
Federation Ballroom
Best practice
Community
Education and Training
Evidence based practice
Human Rights
Wellness / Well Being
| Thursday, November 14, 2024 |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM |
Speaker
Ms Joanna Maxwell
Project Director, Age Research
Australian Human Rights Commission
Changing perspectives: Testing an ageism Intervention
Abstract
Ageism is widespread and tolerated, a major barrier to inclusive and supportive age-friendly environments and ageing well. Ageism directly impacts older people’s quality of life and access to services and community.
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently tested a simple, cost-effective intervention to examine and shift ageist beliefs held by those who work with older people in aged care and community settings. We conducted attitudinal surveys, an awareness intervention and focus groups.
Survey 1 assessed age attitudes using well-tested scales such as the Fraboni Scale and the AAS.
Next, a 2.5-hour interactive workshop focused on unconscious bias, benevolent ageism and age beliefs.
Survey 2 found improvements across all ageism measures. The depth and breadth of change from a one-off workshop was surprising, and promising.
Participants in focus groups reported many changes with direct effect on their older clients, including altering language used with them, adopting new work practices or approaches, sharing learnings and improved client consultation. There was also a ripple effect - participants talked to colleagues, clients and friends, so benefits continued to spread after the session.
Survey 3 showed positive effects persisted over several months:
- 90% rethought the way they communicate with older adults
- 87% discussed ageism with others
- 86% actively considered actions to address ageist attitudes in
their workplace
This presentation explains in detail why and how to use this initiative to achieve lasting reductions in ageist attitudes and foster positive behaviour changes. It is truly a breath of fresh air and fresh thinking.
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently tested a simple, cost-effective intervention to examine and shift ageist beliefs held by those who work with older people in aged care and community settings. We conducted attitudinal surveys, an awareness intervention and focus groups.
Survey 1 assessed age attitudes using well-tested scales such as the Fraboni Scale and the AAS.
Next, a 2.5-hour interactive workshop focused on unconscious bias, benevolent ageism and age beliefs.
Survey 2 found improvements across all ageism measures. The depth and breadth of change from a one-off workshop was surprising, and promising.
Participants in focus groups reported many changes with direct effect on their older clients, including altering language used with them, adopting new work practices or approaches, sharing learnings and improved client consultation. There was also a ripple effect - participants talked to colleagues, clients and friends, so benefits continued to spread after the session.
Survey 3 showed positive effects persisted over several months:
- 90% rethought the way they communicate with older adults
- 87% discussed ageism with others
- 86% actively considered actions to address ageist attitudes in
their workplace
This presentation explains in detail why and how to use this initiative to achieve lasting reductions in ageist attitudes and foster positive behaviour changes. It is truly a breath of fresh air and fresh thinking.
Biography
Joanna has worked at the Australian Human Rights Commission since 2017, as Director, Age Discrimination until late 2021 and now as Project Director, Age Research.
As well as discrimination policy work and stakeholder liaison, she has led two major research projects at the Commission. ‘What’s age got to do with it?’ in 2020-21 looked at ageism across the lifespan; ‘Changing perspectives: testing an ageism intervention’ in 2022-23 piloted an intervention to reduce ageist beliefs in people working closely with older people.
Following careers as a lawyer and a business owner working with people on career change, Joanna completed a Masters of Education in older workers and social change in 2017 and wrote Rethink Your Career in your 40s, 50s and 60s (HarperCollins 2017). She is currently (slowly) writing a book on the new retirement.
Joanna’s particular interests include ageism across the lifespan, retirement, older workers, and intergenerational issues.
Session Chair
Keryn Curtis
AAG
