Too old and out of touch. Too young and green. The ageism door swings both ways.

On Tuesday 12 June 2019 we invited four experts to take on the motion “Is it time to stop idolising youth” in front of a live, active audience.

With powerful arguments presented at both ends of the spectrum, it was a debate that raised issues from youth detention centres through to the narcissistic iWant generation, from the invisibility of the elderly in popular culture to greedy baby boomers who have it all.

The audience, however had the final say – collectively voting against the motion to stop idolising youth with 72% of the vote.

Did you come along to the debate? Check out our gallery for all the action on the night. Spot yourself, or a friend in the crowd.

Jane Caro is a columnist, novelist, advertising writer, feminist and social commentator who is positive about ageing. She canvassed the benefits of getting older in her TEDx talk, has argued youth shouldn’t make end of life choices for the elderly, and is a founding member of theEveryAGE Counts coalition which is working to overcome ageism. The author of 12 books says calling her old is not insulting, because it’s a fact that doesn’t bother her.

Arguing For

Fred Douglas is a mature aged model represented by WINK Models, an agency ensuring diversity hits our screens and billboards. He has decades experience in property and has established retail shopping centres around the world. Fred is a board member of rural medical and aged care provider Yarrawonga Health and represented Australia in the 2018 World +35s Waterski Championships in Chile. He says it’s foolish to idolise youth when life continues into any old age.

Arguing For

Ben Jenkins is a writer, producer, performer, podcaster and TV host. He has worked on The Checkout, The Chaser’s Election Desk, The Feed and Tonightly. He is co-creator of the storytelling night Story Club and dungeon and dragons comedy show Dragon Friends both of which are performed at Sydney’s Giant Dwarf theatre. Ben argues it’s impossible to stop idolising youth when we are in fact preoccupied with denigrating them.

Arguing Against

Nayuka Gorrie is a writer and campaigner for Aboriginal, women’s and environmental rights. They have represented Australia at the United Nation Climate Change Conference and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. They are a Kurnai/Gunai, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta person and the Indigenous program manager at the Foundation for Young Australians. Nayuka points to Aboriginal youth suicide and government inaction on climate change as evidence young people are far from idolised.

Arguing Against