New report to tackle ageism in health

A new report by the Human Rights Commission, The age barrier: older adults’ experiences of ageism in healthcare, found that older Australians are feeling dismissed, excluded and stereotyped in healthcare settings, putting their access to life-saving care at risk.

Published: 27 January 2026

national
27 January 2026
Australian Human Rights Commission

The report draws on the lived experiences of older patients, their families, and sector experts, supported by a comprehensive literature review.

It found that perceptions of ageism are widespread across all levels of the health system – from how older people are treated by staff to broader systemic and policy issues.

New report to tackle ageism in health

A new report by the Human Rights Commission, The age barrier: older adults’ experiences of ageism in healthcare, found that older Australians are feeling dismissed, excluded and stereotyped in healthcare settings, putting their access to life-saving care at risk.

A new report by the Human Rights Commission, The age barrier: older adults’ experiences of ageism in healthcare, found that older Australians are feeling dismissed, excluded and stereotyped in healthcare settings, putting their access to life-saving care at risk.