Viewer discretion is advised, the topics of abuse, suicide and sexual assault are discussed.
At what age do you become old?
In our World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Roundtable, members of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group discussed the insidious and far-reaching effects of ageism – and how this might be addressed.
‘It was once said to me by a man who was 98 that he could remember what it was like being my age, but I had no idea what it was like to be his,’ said moderator Beverly Baker – National Older Persons Reference Group member and President of the National Older Women’s Network..
‘Which made it very clear that there is a lineage, that ageing is a process.
‘That is the conversation we need to have.
‘We need to talk to (other generations) about the process of ageing and what they might need or expect or like if they were currently standing in our shoes.’
Watch the video to hear what Beverly and fellow panellists Caroline Carroll, Dennis Frost, George Genimahaliotis and Helen Walne had to say on a range of elder abuse and ageism-related subjects – including user-unfriendly legislation, digital disadvantage, social isolation and sexual assault in residential aged care.
Resources
For help and support:
View OPAN’s Self-advocacy toolkit here for information and resources about protecting yourself from harm.
1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) the National Elder Abuse phone line.
Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services to people experiencing emotional distress.
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OPAN advocates can provide independent and confidential information to older people experiencing abuse or neglect within the aged care system. Speak with one of our aged care advocates on 1800 700 600 or complete our advocacy request form.
Advocates can also provide information and education sessions in residential aged care homes and community settings around identifying and preventing abuse. If you would like to arrange an education session call OPAN on 1800 700 600 or complete our booking form.
