Author: Jane Bringolf

Accessible Sydney Opera House

Access for people with disability was unheard of when Sydney Opera House was designed in the late 1960s. It’s complex and unusual shape caused delays until it’s opening in 1973. In the 2020s the same complexity meant a lot of creative design work to create an accessible Sydney Opera House. And to do it in away that maintained the integrity of the original design.

The commitment of the Sydney Opera House to the vision of “The People’s House” is clear. The creative design work shows that complex heritage buildings can be accessible to all. This design work is evident on the Sydney Opera House’s website section on accessibility.

Even if you aren’t planning to visit the Sydney Opera House, the information is an exemplar of how to make all visitors feel welcome.

Syney Opera House taken from a ship at sunset - the House glows yellow and orange

The webpage has clearly organised information on accessible performances, getting there, and getting around the precinct. There are separate sections on vision and hearing, mobility, and access programs. There are four videos to help visitors find their way around the building and precinct. The website also has access maps for the four main areas of the building.

Accessible journey videos

The section on accessible journeys is particularly interesting if you’ve never been to the Sydney Opera House. You get to see the inside of the building with the fly-through videos as well as finding your way around. Access from the underground car park does not take you directly into the building. Consequently, when the place is busy, finding the way to the foyer might be confusing. The video clearly shows where to park and how to get to the foyer.

A really good example of how to make visitors feel welcome at any venue or destination. This type of information can be a deciding factor in whether to go to an event or a visit a building.

How many steps at the Sydney Opera House?

A previous post featured a list showing how many steps visitors need to climb to various parts of the building. It also shows the complexity of overcoming the many stairways in the refurbishments. However, this list is no longer as relevant as all areas are now accessible. Consequently, the Sydney Opera House has removed it from their website.

A page from the Sydney Opera House theatre access guide showing the steps to and from the Joan Sutherland Theatre. How many steps.

The aim of the guide was to help patrons decide which seats are best to book for the greatest convenience. It also helped with traversing such a large building, especially if you are not familiar with it. 

Nevertheless, it would be interesting to know how many other venues in Australia have this type of guide – not just a standard access guide, which is usually for wheelchair users, people who are blind or have low vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing. Knowing how far you have to walk and how many steps is important for non wheelchair users and people accompanying wheelchair users.

 

 

Choose Inclusion: It’s not hard

Australian Disability Network has created a fun video on employing people with disability. The messages are easy to take in especially with the humour – both presenters are stand-up comedians with disability. It’s all part of a campaign titled, “Choose Inclusion”.

The title of the fun six minute video is, It’s Not Hard to be Inclusive with the hashtag #RemoveBarriers. The film was created after consultation with people with disability.

Australian Disability Network will share case studies, articles, workplace tips, and fact sheets in the weeks leading up to December 3. The aim is for organisations to remove employment barriers for people with disability. Of course, the information is good for older employees too. The Choose Inclusion campaign resources are available to ADN members.

The presenters have fun with some of the common misconceptions about disability and then provide some interesting facts. So, a really good video to share with HR departments and managers responsible for recruiting.

The campaign resources include:

  • Inclusive communications
  • Inclusive access
  • Inclusive recruitment
  • Workplace adjustments
  • Inclusive attitudes
A young man with a black beard and hair is talking to someone across a table with coloured paper and pens. He looks like he is asking a question or explaining something.

There are some basic resources on the ADN website that are open access.

Australians will be invited to share their own stories and tips to choose inclusion across social media, using the hashtags #ChooseInclusion #RemoveBarriers and #IDPwD2024. Australian Disability Network was previously known as Australian Network on Disability. They focus on engaging and educating employers.

Remote focus groups for inclusive design

Asking mobility device users to come to a focus group or co-design event about transport tells the story of inaccessibility immediately. They need transport to get there. Even when it is possible, it is more inconvenient, difficult, and time consuming than for other transport users. So remote focus groups offer a solution.

The objective of the study was to pilot test an inclusive design approach to obtain information from users often excluded in the design process due to transportation challenges.

Two screens on a desk. One is showing pictures of several people on a video conference. The other is displaying a regular web page.

The remote focus group participants were users of wheeled mobility devices. The researchers devised a method that worked for users and for the research study. Nine users were each asked to participate in one of two different focus group sessions. One discussed 1 to 7 passenger vehicle transportation systems. The other discussed 8 to 12 passenger vehicle transportation systems. Each participant attended two sessions making four sessions in total.

Each participant was visible on Zoom in the same way as they would in a face to face discussion. However, being remote, they could remain anonymous by using a nickname or a fictitious name. This personalised the sessions and encouraged users to contribute. Video demonstrations of small (1-7 passengers) and midsized (8-12 passengers) vehicles were shown to users.

The researchers asked user’s preferences about various elements of the journey. They included planning, vehicle identification, boarding and alighting, and riding location.

Stable online connections are a must

All participants had access to the technology, but sometimes lack of robust connections happened through the sessions for some participants. This is a potential barrier for individuals who lack sufficient access to the necessary technology.

A young female at a desk with laptop, coffee cup and notebook. She is concentrating on the screen.

The researchers conclude that well-designed remote focus groups provide a powerful tool for inclusive and qualitative research. However, there is room to refine the methodology so that participation and data quality are improved.

The title of the article is Use of Remote Focus Groups to Improve Inclusive Design Practice.

From the abstract

This study examines the use of remote focus groups to obtain user’s ideas on wheeled mobility devices and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs). Inclusive design is essential for accessible transportation. Over four virtual sessions we collected statements from nine wheeled mobility device users. They told us about their design preferences, needs, and challenges with SAVs.

The findings highlighted the diverse needs and preferences of participants. This emphasises the importance of collecting information from users early in the design process. Well-planned remote focus groups can be an effective tool to gather design information from user populations that face transportation barriers.

Shared driverless vehicle design

A related research paper from the Intelligent Mobility Design Centre in the UK looks at engaging users in the design process. The key issue of the study is the preparedness to share vehicles on a broad scale.

The title is, Design for shared driverless vehicles of the future.

Abstract

On-demand shared transportation is a major new mobility innovation and potentially the main mode of transport in coming decades. Studies show that driverless vehicles have potential to accelerate uptake of shared vehicles at scale. People perceive sharing positively but do not necessarily translate perception into action, with desire for personal space a major reason for unwillingness to share vehicles.

Design research is a powerful tool when creating methods and processes to anticipate future possibilities by visualising detailed features of proposed products. We present a set of design research methods engaging end users in a variety of empathy activities and a design process to translate their needs into visual concepts for future shared driverless vehicles that are attractive and more likely to be adopted.

Neuroscience for inclusive wayfinding

The history of wayfinding has evolved from visual orientation by the stars and landmarks, to signage and digital technology. A good wayfinding system will use all three – visual orientation, signage and digital applications. But it requires consistent application. If not, the likelihood of being confused and then anxious increases. That’s where some neuroscience for inclusive wayfinding comes in.

Effective wayfinding systems are essential for spatial orientation, personal safety, and emotional well-being, especially in complex environments like hospitals, transit systems, and large institutions.

A long wide corridor with lots of confusing lines.

A research project from the US carried out a literature review, case studies, and field work to develop a framework for solutions. The findings emphasised the critical importance of consistency in design and the strategic placement of signage. Technologies such as augmented technology also enhance user navigation experiences.

Key recommendations

  • Adopt human centred design principles and address the diverse cognitive and sensory needs of users.
  • Incorporate digital tools, real time data updates, and interactive maps.
  • Training programs for staff are essential for enhancing the overall user experience.

The following chart is a screenshot of a table of recommendations from the research paper.

Screenshot of a Table from the report listing the design actions and the reasons for them.

Integrating multi-sensory engagement and user-centered design strategies, wayfinding systems can better support individuals in complex environments. This will ultimately contribute to more inclusive public spaces and improve quality of life.

Recommendations for staff training

Staff training is a key component of wayfinding support in complex environments. Training programs equip staff with skills to assist the diverse nature of visitors. Training positively impacts the cognitive and emotional wellbeing of service staff and users. The following chart is a screenshot from the research paper.

Screenshot of a chart listing the recommendations for training support and the reasons for the training.

The title of the article is Navigating Life: Neuroscience and Inclusive Design in Wayfinding.

From the abstract

Wayfinding, has moved from traditional navigation methods reliant on visual cues and
landmarks to modern systems that integrate digital technologies and neuroscience.

Accessible and consistent wayfinding systems that accommodate diverse user abilities, particularly in public transit, hospitals, and large institutions are needed. Current systems often lack coordination, clear signage, and comprehensive coverage, leading to navigation challenges.

We evaluate best practices for inclusive wayfinding. Key findings emphasize the importance of consistent visual design and strategic sign placement. Integrating technologies like interactive maps and augmented reality are essential.

The study highlights the role of multi-sensory engagement and neuroscience in improving spatial orientation and reducing user anxiety. Adopting a user-centered approach, the research proposes wayfinding strategies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. There are valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. The focus is on enhancing user experience, advancing inclusivity, and promoting well-being in public spaces.

Designing homes with dementia in mind

In most cases, designing homes with dementia in mind does not mean a special type of design.  It’s not news that people prefer to live at home as they age. So, universal design for dementia-friendly dwellings helps people live at home for as long as possible.

Once basic accessibility features are considered, as they should be in all homes, it’s about the details. The research that underpins the guidelines for dementia friendly dwellings found four key design principles:

  1. Integrated into the neighbourhood
  2. Easy to approach, enter and move about in
  3. Easy to understand, use and manage
  4. Flexible, safe, cost effective and adaptable over time

The graphic below shows the elements in the design process that emerged from the research project.

Graphic showing the design process.
The design process from a related article on page 12 of the Housing Ireland Journal

Dementia Friendly Dwellings Guideline

The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design has a great set of guidelines for Dementia Friendly Dwellings. People with dementia and their families and carers are considered in the designs. The Guidelines are founded on the research mentioned above. The online content is in four sections:

  • Home location and approach
  • Entering and moving about the home
  • Spaces for living
  • Elements and technology systems
Section of the front cover of the Universal Design guidelines for Dementia Friendly Dwellings.

The introduction provides a brief overview of dementia which is caused by many different diseases. Floor plans are included as examples of spatial layout and circulation space. Typical universally designed dementia friendly features provide the details.

Dementia friendly home ideas

Graphic showing the floor plan of a basic home.The Dementia Enabling Environments website has a page on home design ideas. Some of them are simple and cost nothing, but might not be obvious to the casual observer. The Adapt a House page has a floor plan of five rooms: living room, kitchen/dining, bedroom, bathroom and laundry. There are plans for houses and apartments.

It’s interactive, so clicking on a room brings up more detail. For example, in the kitchen they suggest see-through doors on wall cabinets.

If replacing an appliance, match it closely to the existing one. In the bedroom colour contrasts are important for finding the bed and other furniture. Block-out blinds on the windows help differentiate between day and night, especially in the summertime. There is lots more information and resources on the website.

The Dementia Enabling Environments web tool was developed by Alzheimer’s WA.  There are more resources on the Alzheimer’s Australia website on creating a dementia-friendly home. 

Home adaptations

A group of researchers in the UK wanted to find out the role of home adaptations in supporting people with dementia. They wanted to know what works, what doesn’t, and what more needs to be done. There were four key questions in their literature review:

  • Which housing adaptations are being implemented and used on an everyday basis?
  • How are decisions made to implement and use housing adaptations?
  • What are the barriers and enablers to housing adaptation and use?
  • What is the impact of housing adaptations on everyday life?
A kitchen in the middle of renovations showing stripped walls and a step ladder.

Results of the review

The review found that the most common adaptations were about physical limitations. The emphasis was on preventing falls. Clinical trials found that home adaptations have the potential to minimise falls. Safety relies on predictability of the environment for people with dementia. Nevertheless, this is the one area that is most lacking for people living in the community. 

Professionals and family members were good at coming up with ideas for adaptations. The study also found that carers were often inventive with novel solutions. However, some carers preferred their own trial and error methods when they thought professionals would not be helpful. A key issue here is that most useful information for families is online and not everyone has the ability to access this information.

“I’ll wait until the time comes” was evident in some of the literature. Some families were in favour of adaptations prior to need, whereas others wanted to wait until it was necessary. The type of housing also had an impact on this aspect.

Carers felt the adaptations made their caring tasks easier. They spent less time supervising and resulted in less burden and more sleep. The health and wellbeing of carers was the main gap in the literature. 

There’s a lot more information in this scoping review. The title is, Exploring the contribution of housing adaptations in supporting everyday life for people with dementia: a scoping review.

Gender inclusive transit planning

Data on travel behaviours is essential in transit planning, but are there some gaps in whose data are collected? Without knowing the specific travel behaviours of women it is not possible to know how they differ from men. Consequently, it is not possible to include the travel needs of women in transit planning.

Gender-responsive public transportation systems that are safe, reliable, and affordable are crucial in ensuring women’s access to education, economic security, childcare, and health services, thereby contributing to gender equality.

A young woman is sitting in a seat on a bus. She is wearing sunglasses and listening to her phone.

The voices of women

A study for a Masters thesis in the US compares nine transit agencies to see how they gather data for gender inclusive planning. Agencies that have separated women from men in data gathering techniques have enhanced their services and updated their policies. And it’s not just about surveying women. Hearing their stories and voices is essential as well.

“It helps you better understand the community who is going to be impacted by a project, when you hear it in their own voices and the way that they speak, rather than me trying to talk about a woman’s experience while crossing the street with her four-year-olds.” Study participant

A small child is reaching into a woman's hand and the look like they are walking together.

Partnering and consulting with advocacy groups is another technique that provides additional and essential information. This helps with revealing mobility patterns and disparities in service quality across demographic groups.

Down to the design

The thesis covers vehicle and station design, safety and security enhancements, and inclusive infrastructure design. Operational practices and service policies include increasing the frequency of off-peak services. Hospitals function with shift workers, the majority of whom are women. Increasing night-time services for these routes makes sense. One agency increased their night-time services and thereby increased the number female riders.

Having the evidence is one thing, but in the end it is the staff that implement policies. Consequently, staff training in using this evidence is critical. From an operational perspective, staff need to recognise discrimination and violence for both riders and female staff. In terms of safety, one solution is to shorten train cars which makes them easier to supervise.

Agencies are mindful that what is good for women is also good for men. Fathers travelling with children also benefit from stroller policies. While the term “gender-inclusive” is used to focus on women, people who are non-binary or gender diverse also benefit.

Resistance to change

Staff, management and the public are resistance to change. One way to overcome this is to have more women in decision-making roles. However, it is not difficult for resisters to slow down necessary changes. This is also the case in updating transit planning and design guides to reflect the needs of women.


The Masters thesis title is, Mind the Gender Gap: A Case Study Analysis of Transit Policies and Design Guidelines for Gender-inclusive Transit Planning. A useful look at the different ways transit agencies have attempted to be women-inclusive.

From the abstract

This study investigates the use of gender-sensitive planning practices in public transit systems. Women typically engage in shorter, more complex trips due to caregiving and household responsibilities. They often face additional challenges such as safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure for strollers and belongings.

This research employs a qualitative case study approach. It includes interviews with staff from nine transit agencies about practices, and an analysis of five transit design and operations manuals. Key findings reveal progress in gender-sensitive data collection and design initiatives. That’s despite significant barriers, including resource limitations, resistance to change, and infrastructural constraints.

While some agencies have made notable advancements, the explicit incorporation of gender sensitive principles in transit design manuals is lacking. Continued commitment and innovation are essential to overcoming existing barriers and enhancing gender-inclusivity in transit systems. Recommendations offer valuable insights for agencies aiming to create equitable and inclusive transportation environments.

Co-designing with young people

Student voices are important in the design of health and wellbeing infrastructure. Being young does not automatically mean being fit and healthy especially in low socio-economic areas. The ability to share public space and support services is essential to wellbeing at any age. Co-designing with young people provides opportunities to include their perspectives.

Infrastructure development is increasingly being used as a way to support the wide-ranging health and wellbeing needs of target communities. But few projects directly involve children and young people with other stakeholders as key contributors to decision-making.

Four children are in an open space with buildings in the background. They are jumping in the air and holding hands.

Children and young people have increasingly complex health and wellbeing needs and there are insufficient spaces and services to meet demand. Researchers at Queensland University of Technology tackle this issue by involving children and young people in the design of a wellbeing infrastructure project.

Place-based approaches refer to connecting infrastructure decision-making with the needs of a local community. It takes a cross-sectoral view of the interrelated infrastructure and amenity needs of a place, and identifies how these should be delivered.

A group of young men and women are standing together outside a coffee shop. They are wearing warm clothes and holding mobile phones.

Community hubs

Community hubs are typically multipurpose places that often include health and other community services. In most cases this is both appropriate and cost-efficient. However, few projects directly involve children and young people in the design process.

The research project involved high school students, teachers and other stakeholders in designing a new community hub. This hub is to be co-located at a high school in a community with high health and wellbeing needs.

Co-design and participation

Inclusive co-design with and for children and young people requires support to participate and keep them interested. There are four key factors: Space, Voice, Audience, and Influence:

  • Provide safe and inclusive spaces for views to be expressed
  • Give support and information for expressing views
  • Those in authority must listen to the views shared
  • Views must be taken seriously and acted upon by those with the power to influence or make decisions.
A work table is filled with paper and folders and a woman is cutting a piece of paper with scissors. It looks like a group of people are working on a design.

The article outlines the methods and provides illustrative examples of the students’ views and ideas. Feeling connected to the space was the overarching concept agreed by all stakeholder groups. The diagram taken from the research paper shows the four functions of the hub: community, health, social, and preventative health.

A diagram from the paper. It has four overlapping ovals with a fifth in the centre labelled as The Hub. The others are community function, Health Service Function, Social Function, and Preventative Health Function.

The co-design process revealed the essential nature of the social function – something not previously considered by the organisations involved. The process also provided an opportunity to “flesh out” what the social function might entail.

The title is, Co-designing place-based co-located health and wellbeing infrastructure and services with high school students, educators, and health service providers.

From the abstract

This research involved working with high school students, teachers, Guidance officers/School Counsellors, and other stakeholders. The project involved co-designing a new Community Hub co-located at a high school in a high-priority community .

We describe the co-design processes for engaging children and young people and adult stakeholders in the ideation and design phase of infrastructure and service development. The object is to support the health and wellbeing of a high priority community with high health needs.

The key insights pointed a way forward for the next stages of infrastructure and service delivery development. it also led to the development of several visual depictions of the complexities of stakeholder interests. Meaningful engagement of potential future users of place-based integrated health and wellbeing services enables responsive infrastructure designs that meet future needs of both target communities and service providers.

Participation and co-creation in healthcare

A special issue on co-creation in healthcare research has several related open access articles. The first is Practices of Participation and Co-Creation in Healthcare: A Workshop Report.

Abstract

Participatory research in the health sector is fraught with obstacles. In particular, choosing appropriate methods to involve the heterogeneous stakeholders in the health system can be difficult. Not only are time constraints and hierarchies between professional (and non-professional) healthcare actors a challenge, but also dealing with patients who may have different physical and psychological limitations.

Accordingly, not all qualitative methods are applicable to all stakeholder groups. Limitations such as speech or visual impairments can make it difficult to participate in focus groups or design workshops. With a workshop at the European Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work in 2024, we discussed experiences and lessons learned with participatory methods in the health sector. The workshop showed how different challenges were dealt with and thus opened up a space for reflection on participatory projects.

Other articles in this issue look at using visual metaphors, ideation, and challenges in participation of vulnerable groups in design processes.

Shaping perceptions of ageing

An interesting finding in a report on ageism is that there is a lack of people willing to talk about older people and ageing. That is, compared to other interest groups. I wonder if this is true. Or is it part of the general stereotyping or prejudice that the report has highlighted? Are age advocacy groups and researchers invisible as well? The report is about perceptions of ageing.

“It is vital that older people are humanised and valued in mainstream culture, with their voices amplified, and the issues they face told in an accurate and balanced way.” Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner

A child is kneeling down by the side of a lily pond. Her mother on one side and her grandmother on the other, also kneeling down. Grandfather is standing behind watching them.

Although the Human Rights Commission’s report is about older people, ageism can happen at any age. Young people are just as likely to experience ageism as well. Demographers and marketers divide the population into segments, which isn’t helpful especially when assigning specific characteristics to each group.

The executive summary of the Human Rights Commission’s report begins with a good explanation of ageism:

“Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people based simply on their age. Ageism remains pervasive and normalised … it is one of the most socially accepted forms of prejudice in Australia.”

Four older men wearing hats sit at a square table in the park.

The media shapes perceptions

Demographers and marketers aside, the media plays an important role in reflecting and shaping how older people are perceived. Finding appropriate experts to talk about older people, and not just ageism, is key. But they have to be aware of their own stereotyping too.

The late Stella Young called out “inspiration porn” for people with disability. We must do the same for older people. Anything that a younger person can do should not become an inspirational story when an older person does it. It might be a human interest story for the media but it reinforces stereotypes albeit positive.

Conversely, older people are more often portrayed as a burden on society. Stories reflect the deficit model of inability, incapacity and vulnerability. Terms such as “the elderly” immediately stereotype everyone over a certain age as all being the same. However, the term “elderly” should not be confused with respectful term “elders” used in Indigenous communities.

Three opportunities for action

No experts: The reports suggests the media and the age sectors should get together to address the expert and advocate gap. Reshaping the narrative on ageing is a must.

Training: The best way to address the gap in media education and training is by the media co-designing training with advocates of older people. The age sector can also support and inform editorial practices on age-related reporting.

Community education: A communication campaign for the broader community is another key opportunity for change. More accurate and diverse representation of ageing as well as the coverage of different age groups is essential.

The title of the report is, Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing (2024). You can download the full report of 46 pages, or the Summary report from the Human Rights Commissison web page.

Front cover of the report. Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing. By the Human Rights Commission.

The full report has some interesting and revealing comments by journalists, producers and editors. Their take on the subject of the lack of experts able to speak to the media is especially enlightening.


Accessible and inclusive events

The three minute video from Instagram below is a speedy run-through of the site features that make the place accessible and inclusive. No rocket science here, but some good products. Ability Fest is for everyone – it is not a “Disability Fest”. That is the one problem of using the term “ability” when really meaning inclusive.

Dylan Alcott loves music festivals but they make it almost impossible for people with disability to enjoy them. Hence his Ability Fest project.

People standing watching a band on stage. There are fireworks in the background. Inclusive and accessible events.

The following videos are an education for all major event managers. Alcott showcases all the different features that make events accessible and inclusive.

In the next video, Alcott explains the background to making an accessible festival.

In the following video, the event manager explains the planning and the features required.

A longer interview with Dylan Alcott where he provides his personal motivation for the events, and covers how they cater for different disabilities. He makes a good point when addressing access and inclusion. He says that accessibility and inclusion are two different things, but you need both – one is no good without the other. The video is 17 minutes but you can cut to the chase at 4 minutes.

The detail provided in these videos makes it easy for event and festival managers to make all their events inclusive and accessible. Ability Fest is not a “special” disability event – it is for everyone. At last you can take your friend with a disability with you to a festival. Alcott hopes to make his job redundant because all festivals will be accessible and inclusive.

See also the section on inclusive and accessible events on this website.

Universal design at a food festival

This research has a paywall but the abstract is available. The title of the paper is, Constraints and Facilitators, Universal Design and Event Experience: Accessibility of Facilities at a Food Festival.

Accessibility barriers in festivals inhibit engaging festival experiences for the general public. This study aimed to examine the accessibility of facilities at the Macau Food Festival (MFF) by applying the theories of leisure constraints and facilitators, leisure negotiation and universal design principles. 

Participant observation and qualitative semi-structured interviews with 25 festival participants were conducted. Findings revealed mixed perceptions of the facilities. Several aspects such as unclear festival layout and insufficient toilets were contrary to universal design principles and constrained visitors’ engagement. However, online payment devices and shuttle buses facilitated festival engagement. 

 Accessibility played an important role in influencing visitors’ experiences and behavioural outcomes such as revisit intention, word-of-mouth, and leisure negotiation strategies. This study provides a new approach for evaluating the accessibility of facilities in food festivals. Practical implications regarding accessibility of festival and event facilities are suggested along with numerous avenues for future research.

Older people in the media

Words matter. Our perceptions, beliefs and attitudes are shaped by the words we see and hear. The media relies on words for their work which has the power to influence, uphold or denigrate. Journalists must check their words for perpetuating stereotypes that harm, albeit unintentionally. The ageing sector must do the same. Yes, even older people perpetuate stereotypes in the language they use too.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has produced a report on how the media reports on ageing and older people.

“How we view the world and those around us is largely shaped by what we read, what we hear and what we watch. Media informs how we see
and treat others, and even how we see and treat ourselves.”
– Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner

Front cover of the report. Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing. By the Human Rights Commission.

Ageism is one of the most socially accepted forms of prejudice in Australia. The media industry and the age sector must improve the accuracy, quantity and quality of coverage of the issues.

Image from the report showing a bank of screens and monitors and a woman sitting looking at them. There is a keyboard on the desk.

In the video below, Robert Fitzgerald explains that the overwhelming portrayal of older people is in the negative. This is particularly so when talking about health and aged care. The framing is that of a burden on society without recognising how this language impacts older people themselves. It also impacts policy-makers and private enterprise when it comes to providing goods and services.

Positive portrayals can also stereotype

The media and marketing professionals like to segment the population into age groups. They assume people in these age groups all have something in common or behave in a particular way. They also assume that each group is different from each other and have little in common. This is stereotyping. Even positive stereotyping is harmful especially when pitting older and younger cohorts against each other.

Highlighting a few prominent older Australians as being highly productive or contributing to society is portrayal by exception. It is only their age that makes it a story. For example a woman of 90 years, usually described as a “grandmother” taking a parachute jump. The only other time parachute jumpers make the news is if their parachute failed.

Ageing is not a charity case any more

Ageing and aged care left the charity model last century, but some aspects linger on. For example, special weeks or international days for older people only serve to perpetuate stereotypes and patronise. Stereotyping behaviour is difficult to overcome – it’s ingrained into our culture.

Key findings from the report

There are known and real issues with Australian media portrayals of ageing and older people. The prevailing narrative is of decline, frailty and vulnerability. Their everyday lived experience is invisible to the media.

Australian media representations reflect a broader mainstream culture that undervalues older people. Their issues are often regarded as ‘less than’ those affecting other groups.

The culture of undervaluing older people underpins media industry drivers. Some of these briefly include:

  • Lack of access to subject matter experts – people who can speak on ageing
  • Invisibility of age withing the diversity and inclusion space
  • Time, resources and lack of experienced journalists
  • Business drivers and ‘click bait’ nature of reporting especially around intergenerational tensions.
An older woman sits in an armchair. She is wearing a purple knitted jacket and is smiling into the camera. Ageing is ordinary.

The report reviews current knowledge and evidence on age and ageing and the way Australia media presents it. The title of the full report is, Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing. There is also a summary report with the findings and opportunities for change. Even advocates for older people can fall into the trap of using language that patronises or emphasises ‘specialness’.

See also Ageing is ordinary and also Ageism, Attitudes and Stereotypes.

Spaces for all ages

Urban landscape with shade trees and lots of casual seating with people sitting.

Viewing older people through the prism of health and disability ignores their continuing contribution to society.  The 2015 Intergenerational Report talks of the ‘three Ps’ – population, participation and productivity. But where is the fourth P – policy? 

Emily Millane discusses the issues of ageism, employment and social participation in a percapita report. She asks, where is the fourth P, policy, and argues we need policies to overcome age discrimination in all its forms. This includes the design of public spaces, parks and streets. Urban design plays an important role here. It needs to capture all ages and foster interaction between generations. This strategy might be easier than changing community attitudes in the short term.

Older people are considered lesser value than others – something highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care. By perpetuating the idea of being less capable or being a burden on society affects attitudes that are hard to shift. It also affect attitudes older people have about themselves.

The report is titled, Spaces for All Ages: policies for an inclusive Australia.

This report follows on from The head, The Heart and The House.