074 Chapter 6 Conclusion 6.1 What we learned This research set out to examine the attitudes and expectations regarding older adults and the ageing process held by workers in aged care and community settings. It also aimed to assess the effectiveness of a brief, targeted awareness session in promoting positive changes among a group of aged care and community workers. The data builds a complex picture of positive and negative attitudes and perceptions about older adults and ageing. These beliefs appear to be shaped by personal experiences and broader social attitudes, and influence the interactions people have with older adults. (a) Perceptions of older adults and ageing On average, the aged care and community workers who participated in the research reported relatively low levels of ageism before the workshop. However, the Commission’s findings suggest that benevolent stereotypes of older adults as warm and deserving of compassion, but less capable than younger individuals and in need of protection, persisted. These views are likely associated with participants’ expectations of functional decline in physical and cognitive health in older age. The perception of older adults as warm but lacking in competence is consistent with previous studies.99 The Commission’s What’s age got to do with it? research also found that most adults in Australia have a positive overall attitude to older adults, but considered them to have declining skills and lack competence in many areas.100 The Commission found significant improvements in ageist attitudes and ageing expectations immediately following the workshop, and these changes remained at follow-up 2–3 months later. Greater improvements were observed in domains of benevolent ageism and expectations regarding physical and cognitive function, where initial attitudes among respondents had been more varied. These findings suggest that the workshop was effective in shifting perceptions, particularly among those who initially held more ambivalent and subtle views. (b) Impact of age stereotypes on interactions with older adults Following the workshop, participants were able to reflect on their past interactions with older adults and recognise instances where they had been influenced by age-based stereotypes and prejudice. Examples included making decisions about services based on assumptions about older adults’ capabilities and preferences, providing assistance without being asked, adopting a different style of speaking, and taking charge instead of providing support. Post-workshop discussions and surveys revealed that the workshop led to positive changes in participants’ interactions with older adults. Key changes included avoiding making assumptions based on age, changing the language they use (eg, not using elderspeak, avoiding making unnecessary references to a person’s age), and being more collaborative in decision-making. Participants also reported recognising and treating each older person as an individual, respecting clients’ autonomy and independence, and focusing on a person’s capabilities rather than their limitations. (c) Impact of age awareness workshop on attitudes and behaviour Consistently with previous studies,101 the Commission’s findings provide support for the effectiveness of an educational intervention in reducing misconceptions and prejudice against older adults and older age. Furthermore, qualitative data from the open-ended survey responses and post-workshop discussions revealed sustained changes not only in participants’ attitudes, but also in their behaviour as a result of the age awareness workshop.