White hair syndrome – when you’re the last customer served

A new research report reveals your experiences of ageist treatment in shops, cafes, and bars.

Published: 3 December 2025
  • national
  • 3 December 2025
  • National Seniors

National Seniors Australia’s latest research report, Experiences of Ageism in Retail and Hospitality, showcases written comments by 130+ Australians aged 50 or older about being ignored or poorly treated as customers in shops, bars, and cafes.

The comments were written in response to a question in the 2024 National Seniors Social Survey, in which older Australians were asked whether they had experienced exclusion or discrimination based on their age.