COTA SA will spark conversations about ageing well and finding purpose at every life stage at our flagship free forum to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (IDOP).

The annual event, held at InterContinental Adelaide on Wednesday, 1 October, also kicks off South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well, where the day will be opened by The Hon Nat Cook MP, Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well with keynote speaker Natasha Stott Despoja AO. Natasha was a trailblazer as the youngest woman elected to the Australian Parliament at just 26 years old and still holds the record for the youngest leader of a political party at 32.

Now aged in her 50s, she has broken free from the age stereotypes which once defined her public identity and has had a significant influence on politics and Australian society for 30 years. In her keynote address at COTA SA’s event, she will share insights into how someone whose public identity was so distinctly shaped by their youth, adapts to new stages of life and ageing in the public eye. Natasha will also speak on personal reflections on life inside and beyond public office, from caring for ageing parents and raising young adult children, to redefining herself outside the political spotlight.

COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke, is looking forward to the rich perspectives that Natasha will bring on ageing, identity and purpose. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Natasha Stott Despoja AO join us for this year’s International Day of Older Persons event,” says Miranda.

“Natasha brings a unique voice to COTA SA’s ongoing conversation about what it means to age well. Her story speaks directly to the evolving nature of identity, purpose and contribution as we get older, which is at the heart of what this event is all about,” continues Miranda.

IDOP is an annual event celebrated around the world on 1 October, since it was classified by the United Nations in 1990. The day marks the contributions that older people make in the community and to raise awareness of the need to combat ageism by challenging stereotypes and prejudices that drive discrimination.

It is an important day on the COTA SA calendar, the peak body for older South Australians, that represents and advocates for the rights, futures and interests of South Australians over 50.

Miranda says COTA SA challenges the perception that getting older is something to resist and fear, but rather, a privilege to be able to grow and change.

“With every year comes experience, knowledge, and an evolving sense of self and of our connection to those around us. COTA SA is on a mission to think differently about ageing and to challenge ageist attitudes that stop us all from ageing well. No matter how old we are, let’s embrace ageing and support and celebrate each other on this remarkable journey,” Miranda concludes.

IDOP is part of South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well, which begins on 1 October, and is a celebration of living and ageing well. The week supports a deeper understanding of what ageing well means across the state and highlighting the roles we all play in supporting each other to live and age well. For more information visit: www.dhs.sa.gov.au/weekofageingwell.