Dr Catherine Barrett
In this episode of Let’s Talk Ageing, we hear from Dr Catherine Barrett, CEO of Celebrate Ageing.
Interview summary
Date: 25 February 2025
Dr Catherine Barrett, CEO of Celebrate Ageing website , offers insights into tackling ageism and promoting respect for older people. Catherine shares her work on a new gender‑lens tool for elder abuse services.
What does getting older mean to you, and why?
I believe ageing is a privilege. My 18-year-old sister died when I was 17. I was heartbroken and left with a strong sense of my own mortality and the preciousness of life. I believe that each day is a gift.
It’s not that I effortlessly celebrate life and my ageing—rather, I work hard at it. There are so many anti-ageing messages that can derail efforts to value our own ageing.
Celebrate Ageing is not just about the work I do; it’s the life I live. I work at it every single day.
What do you see are the key challenges people face as they get older?
One of the most significant challenges for older people is internalised ageism. This form of ageism can diminish health and wellbeing and decrease life expectancy.
Ageism is so deeply embedded in our society that many people do not recognise it in themselves, which makes it particularly harmful. When older people protect themselves against ageism, its effects are significantly reduced.
Ageism is not something that applies to others—it is something we all participate in.
Tell us about your work and what you’ve been doing to address these challenges.
Celebrate Ageing Ltd is building a national network of leaders committed to combating ageism and promoting respect for older people.
We test innovations that bridge the gap between evidence and culture, using art‑ and narrative‑based approaches to engage people and drive change.
In 2023, we established a program called The Margins to raise awareness of the relational nature of marginalisation and ensure our work reaches all older people.
We also believe strongly in the ability of older people to lead change and offer Fellowships through our Elder Leadership Academy.
How can others get involved or support this work?
People interested in following our work can visit Celebrate Ageing and sign up for our newsletter.
Community and service leaders can explore the Facilitator’s Kits available on our Education page. Anyone interested in supporting our charity is welcome to contact me directly.