The ground-breaking new documentary series What Does Australia Really Think continues tonight on SBS.
The 3-part series seeks to explore how stigma and prejudice impact the lives of millions of Australians, by getting to the heart of what people really think about disability, old people and obesity.
Series One, Episode Two: Old People
Noni Hazlehurst, who first graced our screens over 45 years ago, is disturbed by the stereotypical portrayal of old people in the media.
Hazlehurst investigates what Australia really thinks about old age through emotional personal stories, confronting social experiments, covert filming and an in-depth nationwide survey.
Noni Hazlehurst said:
“It’s way past time for us to be recognising and celebrating our similarities, rather than focusing on our differences and making assumptions about each other based on appearances. Everyone deserves kindness, respect and support.”
What Does Australia Really Think About… is a Joined Up Films production for SBS. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with SBS. Financed with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest.
I watched What Does Australia Really Think About Old People last night. As an eighty three year old who has lived in Australia all my life (apart from some wonderful overseas travel) I feel entitled to comment on the episode. Noni is to be commended for her effort to change peoples attitude toward old people however there is a saying “Accept what you can’t change, change what you can and have the wisdom to know the difference.” For generations, in Australia at least, people as they age have had to take a back seat and let the next generation flourish. I am very happy with this concept. My life as an elder is interesting and fulfilling because I make it that way and I am not alone in doing this. Yes sometimes we are not treated as we would like to be but that will never change so ignore it and move on. Regardless of our age life is for living. Enjoy. Lorna
Thank you Noni for highlighting an important inequity in Australian society-female over 45yrs at risk of poverty. I will be turning in for next weeks program.