The Voice of Older Australians White Paper – Juniper

As WA Seniors Week draws to a close, not-for-profit aged care provider Juniper has released its second annual The Voice of Older Western Australians White Paper, revealing a community that remains resilient and positive — yet continues to face growing age discrimination.

Report reveals rising ageism as older Western Australians call for respect and inclusion

As WA Seniors Week draws to a close, not-for-profit aged care provider Juniper has released its second annual The Voice of Older Western Australians White Paper, revealing a community that remains resilient and positive — yet continues to face growing age discrimination.

The independent research, conducted by CoreData WA, provides a unique insight into the experiences, attitudes and wellbeing of Western Australians aged 70 and over.

This year’s findings paint a complex picture: while many older people are happier and more engaged in activities they value, ageism and access to services remain major barriers to wellbeing.

Alarming rise in age-based discrimination

Nearly three in four (72%) older Western Australians say they have experienced age-based discrimination — a significant increase from 66% last year. Reports of being spoken to in a patronising or dismissive manner have risen sharply, from 29% in 2024 to 40% in 2025, with women almost twice as likely as men to experience this (51% versus 28%).

In the report, one respondent explained: “As a professional with a long career, to be suddenly treated as someone who doesn’t know anything is galling to say the least. It makes me feel worthless, like I have nothing to offer.”

Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said the findings were deeply concerning. “Older people tell us they often feel invisible, undervalued or spoken down to and that takes a real toll on their wellbeing,” Mr Bricknell said. “Every Australian deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter their age. This applies not just during WA Seniors Week but all year round.”

The Voice of Older Western Australians 2025 echoes the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2024 report, Shaping Perceptions, which found ageism remains the most accepted form of prejudice in Australia.

Happiness rising despite the challenges

Encouragingly, the report’s Happiness of Older Western Australians Index — which measures engagement in key activities linked to wellbeing — shows an overall increase in happiness, particularly among women. Many reported they were happier thanks to spending time with friends and maintaining regular exercise.

Mr Bricknell added: “Older Western Australians continue to show remarkable resilience. It’s clear that connection, community and purpose are vital ingredients for happiness, but these are undermined when people face barriers to inclusion or respect.”

Confusion over access to aged care

The report also highlights widespread confusion about how to access aged care services, with many respondents expressing frustration about the lack of clear, face-to-face advice. This confusion contributes to stress, reduces wellbeing, and places additional strain on families and the health system.

Reflecting on the findings, Mr Bricknell said: “Finding and understanding aged care shouldn’t be this hard. Improving communication and accessibility could dramatically improve health outcomes and quality of life for older Western Australians.”

A call for change

Juniper is using the launch of The Voice of Older Western Australians 2025 to call for collective action to tackle ageism and strengthen support for older people.

“With Australia’s ageing population growing rapidly, now is the time for action,” Mr Bricknell said. “Ageism hurts everyone — individuals, families, and our broader society. We’re calling on all Australians to challenge age discrimination wherever they see it.”

Key findings from The Voice of Older Western Australians White Paper 2025

• 72% of older Western Australians have experienced age-based discrimination — up from 66% in 2024.
• 40% report being spoken to in a patronising way — with women nearly twice as likely to experience this.
• Overall happiness is rising, particularly among women, driven by greater engagement in social and physical activities.
• Confusion and frustration persist in accessing aged care information and services.
• Cost of living pressures continue to weigh heavily on wellbeing.

The Voice of Older Western Australians is Juniper’s flagship research project, created to amplify the voices of older people and better understand the factors that shape their wellbeing, resilience and happiness. Conducted independently by CoreData WA, the 2025 White Paper provides evidence-based insights to help policymakers, service providers and communities build a more inclusive future for older Western Australians.

Read the full report here.

Source: Media Release 13 November 2025, Juniper Aged Care, an Agency of the Uniting Church in Western Australia.