With discrimination against elderly Australians widespread across our healthcare systems, the peak body for older people says addressing ageism will improve outcomes for everyone.

"Ageism hurts us all. If we improve our systems for older Australians, we improve the system for everyone," chief executive of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Patricia Sparrow said.

"A health system that responds well to older people is a system that treats every patient with dignity, respect and evidence-based care."

Older Australians are feeling excluded and stereotyped while receiving healthcare, including life-saving treatment, according to a new report from the Human Rights Commission released today.

Discrimination against older people was widespread across healthcare, and older people often felt dismis

See Full Page