Embolden is Australia's only National Festival (Congress, Symposium, Art and Fashion event) dedicated to combating ageism and building respect for older people. Established in 2018, our aim is to build the capacity and confidence of service providers, policy makers, community leaders, older people and everyone who works with or for older people - to accelerate the pace of change.

The #Embolden2025 Festival explores ageism across generations, cultures and the intersections of power and privilege. We propose the 'one size fits all' approach to combating ageism has limited efficacy - because ageism is experienced differently across generations, genders, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, ability, geography and financial status.

We need to understand the places where ageism and other forms of marginalisation meet; and we need to recognise differences and build awareness of commonalities. To achieve this, we will explore how:

gerontism differs from youthism
ageism differs across generations of older people
ageism is experienced by marginalised groups of older people
to balance a focus on differences and commonalities

Symposium (Thursday, October 2, 2025. 1 - 4:00 pm AEST)

The Symposium explores ageism across the generations and the intersections of power and privilege. We propose a 'one size fits all' approach to ageism has limited efficacy - because ageism is experienced differently across generations, genders, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, ability, geography and financial status. The symposium begins by exploring how ageism differs across the lifespan. We then present a framework for understanding the characteristics of the ageism experienced by older people - including the context, determinants, levels of influence, dimensions and impacts. We suggest these characteristics need to be considered in strategies for prevention. A draft framework will be presented to delegates for discussion. Presenters include:

Ageism across the lifespan: Linguistics Professor Kate Burridge, Monash University and Dr Catherine Barrett CEO of Celebrate Ageing
Outline of The Framework to:
- CALD communities (tbc)
- Rural and remote communities (tbc)
- People with disabilities (tbc)
- Gay men: Tony Robertson, Civic Journalist
- Trans and Gender Diverse people (tbc)
- Older men: Dubghlas Taylor
Resources for service providers and community leaders
The final word, older artist (tbc)

Please note this registration is for the Symposium only.

Please register separately for: The Congress of Olders People's Voices from the Margins

MORE INFORMATION

The Embolden2025 webpage here: https://www.celebrateageing.com/embolden2025.html
The Embolden Festival website here: Embolden Festival - Home
The Margins webpage here: https://www.celebrateageing.co...
The #OlderWomenCount webpage here: https://www.celebrateageing.co...