065 Chapter 5 Impact of the age awareness workshop 5.6 Recognising and calling out ageism A number of participants found that the workshop provided them with the knowledge and confidence to identify ageism and in some cases, call it out. They also shared specific examples of intervening when they observed instances of ageism. I now have more confidence through the knowledge I gained in being able to call out ageist comments. I have felt more empowered to call out instances of ageism in the community. I’ve mentioned to someone that I thought what they said was ageist. Generally, people are surprised and don’t realise they are ageist but understand when you explain. —Survey responses I have [called out ageism] since the workshop. It [the workshop] did improve my ability to call it out. Before, you’d hear something and you sort of think, ‘That’s not great’, but I guess [the workshop] gave me the confidence to say, ‘That’s ageist and it’s not healthy to say that’. —Participant, age 28 [Clients] have said things to me since then [the workshop], like ‘I’m doing pretty well for 75’ and I’ve actually sort of said to them gently, ‘It’s how you feel, not how old you are’. It made me think about and challenge some of those views that might hold older people back. —Participant, mixed age group I reflected on the language that we use – ‘Sweetie’, ‘Love’ – and I heard this language as I walked past the front desk [at work]. We brought it up with the team so that they were made aware that this language isn’t OK. —Participant, mixed age group For some older participants, the workshop enabled them to identify and articulate instances of ageism they experienced in their lives. It’s only because I’ve been in this [workshop] that I’ve been able to identify and articulate what is going on [as ageism] ... [Now] I have the confidence to say, ‘I am no less competent and no less understanding of what to do and how to do it, but I won’t be doing it at the same pace as younger staff’ and I understand I have the right to say that. The workshop gives you a deeper understanding to stick up for yourself when someone assumes you’re incompetent. Often your families are the worst, questioning whether you can do things when five years ago they wouldn’t have questioned it. Having the deep knowledge gives you the confidence to call it out.