ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impact of ethnicity and cultural diversity, particularly for Indigenous people, migrants and refugees. A key identity that an older person has to negotiate relates to their age. Older age may have its rewards, but it also presents challenges in terms of the changes that have occurred across the life course and the societal view of each stage. Population ageing points to the need for an increase in the number of social workers who can work competently with the diverse older population, their families and friends. A particular negative consequence is the construction of social work with older people as less skilled work. Social workers can take the initiative to suggest and develop educational programs that promote awareness of ageing and ageism. Exploring the ageism that exists in society, and among professionals, is only the beginning of considering the layers of disadvantage experienced by older people and how professionals need to address these practices.
