Catholic Health Australia, the Mercy Health Foundation and Meaningful Ageing are inviting secondary schools to participate in a free program for students that aims to foster values such as empathy, compassion and respect for older people.
Launching next month to coincide with key dates including International Day of Older Persons and Grandparents Day, the accompaniment program “Learning about Ageing with Dignity through reflection and scripture” offers a flexible curriculum with four modules that can be tailored to fit various schedules, ranging from standalone workshops to a week-long series.
Through reflection, scripture study, brainstorming, roleplay, and other interactive activities, students will explore themes such as ageing with dignity, respectful care, and the unique challenges faced by the elderly.
Students will gain insight into the discrimination and stereotypes that older people encounter and learn how to become compassionate companions to seniors in their communities.
Additionally, students have the option to earn a leadership certificate by completing 30 hours of volunteering in an aged care centre or organising a school fundraiser to support Mercy Health’s Ageing with Dignity initiatives.
Mercy Health Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Rebecca MacFarling said: “Discrimination against and negative biases about older persons are important issues in Australia, with more than 70 per cent of respondents to a recent survey agreeing that ageism is a serious problem for our country.
“Fostering a sense of compassion and understanding in young people is crucial to building a more inclusive and respectful society.
“This accompaniment program provides students with a meaningful way to engage with and support older members of their communities and, over the long term, will also help tackle ageism.”
Catholic Health Australia CEO Jason Kara said the program “goes beyond educating students about the challenges faced by the elderly, and aims to cultivate future leaders who are grounded in compassion, integrity, and respect for all”.
“Students who engage in this program will not only learn to understand ageing and the challenges that come with it, they will also be empowered to advocate for their elders and contribute positively to their communities throughout their lives and future careers.”
Details: Learning about ageing with dignity through reflection and Scripture.
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Empathy in action schools program to tackle ageism and foster respect for older people (CHA)
