Embolden 2023 - Words Make Worlds
The theme for #Embolden2023 was Words Make Worlds, drawing on theories of language as a powerful tool for change. Language reflects and preserves the cultural values and practices that perpetuate the ageism and the inequalities experienced by older people. In other words, language mirrors our culture - and can be used to drive culture change. Download the overall report by clicking image below left, and congress report below right.
Marginalisation
Our Inaugural Congress of Older People's Voices from the Margins included presentations by 15 older people from marginalized groups. A Design Café then explored root causes of marginalisation and identified ways to create more inclusive families, communities, services and policy. Check the report (above) and The Margins webpage (here) and the presentation from Gwenda Darling below.
|
Co-leadership
Co-Leadership by older people and people living with dementia was presented as ethically important and an effective strategy to promote successful change. Fellowships to the Elder Leadership Academy were announced including:
- Shirley Glance OAM for inclusive services and communities for people ageing with Post Polio Syndrome (graduation)
- Kathy Mansfield for the development of a Ripplegram to engage service providers, older Trans and Gender Diverse people and their families in understanding the consequences of later life transition
- Max Primmer for promoting connection and Generational Kindness in rural communities
- Theresa Flavin was announced as the recipient of the inaugural Philippa Campbell Fellowship for Older women. Theresa will develop education and resources on sexual consent in partnership with people living with dementia.
Old
The power of words was explored with linguist Professor Kate Burridge leading discussion on the evolution of the word 'old' - followed by and presentation of 'Wordbergs' and an #OldisGood resource. Watch Kate's presentation below.
|
Beautiful
The #OldisBeatiful campaign was launched with photo portraits of older people shared online and in street posters featuring Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Sherree Francis. A front cover spread in The Senior Newspaper (circulation 1.3 million) included a project portrait and the hashtag #OldisBeautiful.
Continue
The final session acknowledged ageism as a barrier to valuing aged care workers, advocates and care givers (paid and unpaid) who work with older people. Insights from Dr Stephanie Dowrick highlighted the importance of valuing self and a DIY Angels activity explored strategies for valuing our own contributions. Read more resources on the Continue webpage (here) and watch Dr Dowrick's presentation below.
|
Contact us
If you would like more information on Embolden please contact Dr Catherine Barrett on 0429 582 237 or email: [email protected]
Partnerships
Embolden2023 is an initiative of Celebrate Ageing Ltd. Thankyou to Elder Rights Advocacy our Principal Partner, and our other partners including the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Older Person's Advocacy Network (OPAN), Australian Association of Gerontology, ADA Australia, The Older Women's Network NSW, QueerSpace Drummond St and COTA Australia.