27 Sep 2023 - International Day of Older Persons - 1 October 2023

This day draws attention to and challenges negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing.

Did you know?

In almost 20 per cent of workplaces in Australia more than half the workforce is over 50 years old.  And employees aged 55 and above currently comprise almost a fifth (20%) of the Australian workforce. (Australian Human Resources Institute survey data 2021 and 2023)

In its 2023 survey, Employing and Retaining Older Workers, the Australian Human Resources Institute found that the proportion of organisations that offer initiatives to support older workers to remain in or transition to employment, such as access to training, has fallen slightly compared to previous reports. (You can find the full report here. https://www.ahri.com.au/wp-content/uploads/230427-Employing-Older-Workers-Report.pdf )

Leading up to International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, why not check out some of the resources available to help support older workers:

• At https://vet.tas.gov.au/changing_direction you can learn more about training to upskill or reskill or change careers. We have stories of older adults who have done just that, such as Chris (https://vet.tas.gov.au/Chris_Medcraft) who retrained to go into a new career after his previous employer closed down.
• The Council on the Ageing's Work 45+ website (https://work45plus.org.au/) provides information to help older job seekers gain employment and for employers looking for staff. This includes resources on education and training.
• Jobs Tasmania's Regional Jobs Hubs network (https://www.jt.tas.gov.au/regional_jobs_hub) connects people with jobs where they live, including advice on training and upskilling.
• The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Older Workers Resource Hub (https://humanrights.gov.au/olderworkers ) provides training modules and resources to help employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to age discrimination, and navigate strategies for hiring and retaining older workers.
• The Skills Checkpoint program (https://www.busyatwork.com.au/skills-checkpoint-program/) is designed to help mature aged workers find a new way forward.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day