When Jane works with Irwin: Older + younger delivers tangible workplace gains

Intergenerational cooperation can deliver win-win-win benefits for an older employee, younger colleagues, the workplace culture, productivity and the Australian economy. Is there a glaring business opportunity right in front of us?

Meet Jane

Jane Banting is 69 and works 20.5 hours a week. Since she sold her business in March 2024, she has been re-employed as a Consultant Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist where she plays an active role as a mentor to younger colleagues, Irwin and Kirolos.

Says Jane, 

“JBA Physio employs physios aged from 34 to 69. We work well as a team, and our different ages allow us to bring different perspectives to our physiotherapy styles. I love working with younger physiotherapists, as I enjoy learning how they have been taught their physiotherapy skills, and comparing them to my skills and knowledge. I also benefit from their energy and enthusiasm for our profession.”

Whilst Jane isn’t exactly reprising the role of Robert di Niro in The Intern, fostering workplace reciprocity results in benefits that are just as evident. 

This win-win-win scenario is endorsed by Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director at Business Sydney:

“Australia is overlooking one of its greatest untapped assets — the skills, experience and wisdom of older workers. It’s time to scrap outdated rules, stamp out age discrimination, and unlock this powerhouse of talent to collaborate with younger colleagues to drive our economy and strengthen our communities.”

If only we could look past entrenched ageist ideas in the workplace and embrace the real and tangible benefits of age diversity.

Currently age discrimination in the workplace stops experienced older Australians from working, earning more income and contributing fully. And yet we continually hear about drastic skills shortages.

Why?

Governments, business, and society too often frame an ageing population as a ‘problem’, viewing older people as unproductive, resource-consuming, or even a burden.

This negative narrative fuels damaging ageism and an unnecessary ‘old vs young’ conflict. 

Despite persistent skills shortages, older Australians continue to face entrenched ageism in the workforce.

• A 2025 Australian HR Institute survey found businesses increasingly define workers as ‘old’ as early as 51 years of age.
• Another study showed at least 10% of Australian businesses have an upper age limit for recruitment with the average at just 50 years of age.

So, what we have to do is flip this script on ageing? 

Intergenerational co-operation is not a “nice to have” — it’s essential to Australia’s productivity and resilience. By bridging generations through reciprocal mentoring we strengthen workplaces and communities. By refusing to negatively frame ageing we can finally recognise living longer as one of our greatest community assets.

Business can play a huge role in driving this change. 

On 9 October as part of Ageism Awareness Day supported by EveryAGECounts, a panel of experts in ageing demographics and workplace solutions, including Marlene Krasovitsky, Chris Grice and Tim Hessell (bios below) are available for interview to share solutions on practical initiatives to achieve this change.

Jane Banting is also happy to speak about the benefits of an intergenerational workforce and how it works in her workplace. Over to her for a final word:

“I love to encourage the younger physiotherapists to use their time at JBA Physio to reflect on how they can become ‘the best physiotherapist they can’. And then I ask how I can assist them on their exciting journey.”  

To book an interview on 9 October (or beforehand) please contact https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/contact

EveryAGECounts is Australia’s national coalition and grassroots campaign to end ageism. EveryAGE Count’s goal is to shift deeply entrenched negative social norms about ageing and older people and drive a political and societal response to the opportunities presented by our ageing population. You can find EveryAGE Count’s most recent submission to the 2025 Economic Reform Roundtable here. For further information please contact https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/contact

Chris Grice is the Chief Executive Officer of National Seniors Australia – a peak consumer body that represents older Australians on issues including aged and health care, retirement income including the Age Pension and Superannuation, age discrimination, and cost-of-living. In addition to defending and protecting the needs of older Australians, Chris also promotes the valuable yet overlooked contribution they make to society. With a mantra, ‘experience matters’ Chris is determined to change the often-negative commentary around this cohort, especially baby boomers. 

Dr. Tim Hessell is the founder of Encourage Equality (https://encourageequality.au/) a company focused on helping organisations leverage age friendly workplaces for business improvement and competitive advantage. He has completed PhD research exploring systemic barriers to employing older workers. Previously, Tim had an extensive corporate career occupying senior leadership roles in HR management.

Dr Marlene Krasovitsky is a leading advocate for age equality and the founding Director of EveryAGE Counts, Australia’s coalition-led campaign to end ageism. Marlene is a former consultant to the World Health Organisation's Global Campaign to Combat Ageism, and has consulted with HelpAge International to map ageism initiatives globally. Previously, Marlene was the Director of Willing to Work, the National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with Disability with the Australian Human Rights Commission.