Ageism Awareness Day is observed on 9 October each year.

Ageist attitudes are everywhere, so common that many of us would barely notice them.

South Australia is the nation’s oldest mainland state. Too often in public discourse, our ageing population is framed as a problem to solve or a challenge to overcome.

What if being Australia’s oldest mainland state was something to be proud of? What if it reflected a community where ageing is understood and celebrated, and where older people are respected and valued for the experience and knowledge they bring?

At COTA SA, we believe this is what an age-inclusive South Australia should look like: a state that embraces ageing, values older people and leads the nation in ageing well. Our ageing population should be a feather in our cap, not a thorn in our side.

To mark Ageism Awareness Day, COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke is published in an opinion column in InDaily today, shining a light on the reality of ageism, how it presents and why challenging ageist behaviours, attitudes and stereotypes is everyone's responsibility.