Lift the age threshold to address the aged care crisis

Ageism still prevails when labelling someone as ‘old’ — and by extension, frail and less capable based merely on a number like 65. We need to change the culture around ageism and challenge these outdated perceptions and embrace a more nuanced understanding of age and capability.

At 65, we are currently slapped with the label of ‘old,’ even though many of us are either thriving in our careers or enjoying our best lives.  Meanwhile, the pension age sits at 67, while seniors’ cards are available from 60-65 if living in Western Australia or Queensland. These outdated markers of age are stuck in a bygone era.