In the lead-up to International Day for Older Persons (1 October) and Ageism Awareness Day (7 October), COTA SA is encouraging older South Australians to “reimagine ageing” and find purpose.

We will be hosting an event on 27 September that will bring together around 200 diverse voices to drive conversations on reimagining the way people think about, act on, and embrace getting older, with a focus on ageing well by finding a purpose. Guests will have the chance to interact with each other, as they spark conversations about reimagining ageing and challenge the stereotypes to uncover what it means to age well in 2023.

COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke, says “Too often ageing is seen as a problem to be solved. COTA SA wants to highlight the opportunities and possibilities that come with ageing and how finding a purpose is part of ageing well. We’re proud to provide the opportunity for the community to engage with one another and explore ways that we can change the conversation around ageing and combat the negative stereotypes of growing older.

Our sold-out event is a great curtain-raiser to South Australia’s first annual Week of Ageing Well, which runs from 1 to 7 October. The Week recognises, celebrates, and values the diversity and contributions of older South Australians, and provides an opportunity to connect through events that support us all to live meaningful lives. For more information on the events and activities on offer, please visit http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/weekofageingwell

Also of importance within this week, is Ageism Awareness Day on 7 October. This day is an opportunity to highlight the negative impact of ageism on our community. Deputy President of COTA SA, Anne Burgess AM is committed to tackling ageism and states that “As older people, we often feel invisible, devalued, and patronised…Ageist stereotypes and prejudice feed these attitudes. We all have a right to live our very best lives.”