013 Executive summary Insight 1. People’s perceptions of ageing and older adults are shaped by a multitude of life experiences accumulated over time. The existing research suggests perceptions regarding ageing and older adults are formed and shaped by a complex interplay of personal and social factors.8 Participants in the Commission’s research shared various experiences and interactions that have influenced their perceptions. These included childhood observations, familial relationships, education, career paths, social connections, and broader cultural influences, such as media portrayals and societal attitudes. Insight 2. Age-based stereotypes and beliefs, whether positive or negative, can shape our attitudes towards older people and interactions with them. Baseline measures collected prior to the workshop revealed participants held varying degrees of agebased biases and assumptions. These were often benevolent in nature, such as the belief that older adults should always be offered help, regardless of their actual need or preference. Attitudes such as these are characterised by sympathy and compassion towards older adults but may also assume reduced competence and capability. While benevolent ageism is often rooted in well-meaning and protective intentions, it may still have harmful consequences. The assumption that older adults are vulnerable and in need of constant assistance can be limiting and disempowering, and lead to older individuals internalising and conforming to the stereotype others hold about them. Insight 3. The views and beliefs aged care and community workers hold about ageing may influence the interactions they have with the older adults they support. Whether consciously or unconsciously, our behaviour is often guided by stereotypes and assumptions.9 For care and service providers, stereotypical beliefs about ageing and older adults can lead to differential treatment of the individuals they support. Such bias is often unintentional and occurs without the conscious awareness of the person who holds the view. Working under time pressure, which is a common condition for those working in the aged care and community service sectors, has also been found to increase the likelihood of stereotyping.10