The free downloadable guide, Being and Becoming Intergenerationally Inclusive: A Practical Guide to Age-Inclusive Language and Practices, was developed by University of Wollongong Research Fellow Dr Lois Peach and Early Start Research Director and Australian Research Council Future Fellow Professor Lisa Kervin AM.
It was written in collaboration with public libraries, Kids Uni, Illawarra Multicultural services, local schools, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, local government councils, and Catholic Care.
The resource begins with a simple but powerful idea: the words we use matter.
“Language matters,” Dr Peach said. “Age-related discrimination is often a normalised part of life – from birthday cards to government policies.
This is about fostering belonging, respect and connection across ages. A small change in language can make a big difference in how people feel included and valued.”