Malthouse lauds age of wisdom
AFL coaching legend Mick Malthouse has hit out at Australia's ageist culture as he moves into the football afterlife after being sacked by Carlton nearly a fortnight ago.
Malthouse, whose 718 games coached are more than by any other person in the AFL/VFL, sees this culture not only in football, but across a broader range of vocations.
He believes older Australians are wrongly being pushed out of jobs or overlooked because they are perceived as being too old.
"We are absolutely horrid at it," the 61-year-old said.
"Unfortunately in Australia, we have a very unhealthy view of age.
"I find I can be in a conversation with people and it's almost like you're not being listened to, so you end up not saying anything.
"So what I would say is, don't ever underestimate the experience a person has because it is the experience they can bring to the table and they often have so much to offer.
"They've been there, they've done it and they are a lot more able to read a situation rather than being impatient.
"I continually drew on my experiences in coaching, whether it was something from 1989 or 1994. I never judged people on their birth certificate, you always judge them on merit.
"But I don't think I'll be able to change it. I think Ita Buttrose has tried but she's had no success either."
Malthouse pointed to competent figureheads such as Pope Francis, 78, the Queen, 89, former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who was at his helm until 72, and Bill Belichick, who was 62 when he coached the New England Patriots to their Superbowl victory this year, as shining examples of why older people should be respected.
