In this episode we talk with Carolynne Mahood, Founder of On Your Own Time about why age diversity and inclusion in the workplace matters.

Across Canada, many older adults who want or need to keep working are being overlooked, not because they lack ability but because of ageism. When older adults are excluded from meaningful work, it not only impacts their income and independence, it can also reinforce ageist stereotypes that contribute to social isolation, a known risk factor for abuse.

One approach to building age-inclusive, future-ready workplaces is to provide employers with tailored and inclusive hiring tools that make it easier to create environments where experience is valued as an asset, not a liability.

Our guest highlights an innovative program she Founded, W.I.S.E. (Wisdom. Inclusivity. Synergy. Equity), a national Certification program, that combats ageism in the workplace and recognizes workplaces that actively support and retain experienced workers through inclusive, flexible, and age-positive practices.

In this episode we learn about:

• experiences older workers are having when trying to find work
• why age inclusion and diversity in the workplace is beneficial
• how employers can be champions of age inclusion by becoming WISE Certified.

To further bring awareness to ageism, this episode is also being launched on October 9th, Ageism Awareness Day in Canada. Led by the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism, this campaign amplifies efforts to raise awareness about ageism in all its forms and sectors—including workplaces. Our interview aligns with this year’s theme: “Age is a Strength: Building Belonging, Challenging Ageism”.

Until next time - Stay Vibrant!

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Websites:

On Your Own Time https://www.onyourowntime.ca/

W.I.S.E.Learn more or get certified at: www.onyourowntime.ca/w-i-s-e .

Canadian Coalition Against Ageismhttps://ccaageism.ca

Episode Resources:

Ageism Awareness Week Toolkit - ENhttps://ccaageism.ca/ageism-awareness-2025/#EnglishToolkit\

Ageism Awareness Week Toolkit - FR Toolkit

Join the social media campaignhttps://ccaageism.ca/ageism-awareness-2025/

Promoting the labour force participation of older Canadians, Promising Initiatives. ESDC (2018) https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors-forum-federal-provincial-territorial/labour-force-participation.html

AGE-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES: A Self-Assessment Tool for Employers Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum (2012) https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/esdc-edsc/documents/corporate/seniors/forum/tool.pdf

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Guest: Carolynne Mahood

Carolynne is the founder of ‘On Your Own Time’, and the ‘W.I.S.E. Certification Program’. She is a fully accredited and trained Human Resource professional, with more than 45 years of experience gained in private and public sectors, large corporations, and small privately owned businesses.

She has worked as a Human Resources Leader and Consultant, providing customized HR solutions, led initiatives in recruitment, policy development, performance management, and workplace investigations.

She also has significant community involvement, serving as a board member, leader, and advisor for non-profit organizations, leveraging her HR and adult education expertise to strengthen governance, workforce practices, and provide leadership coaching and training.

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CREDITS:

Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts

Co-Host: April Struthers, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee

Music: Redpath Audio

Thank you to HelpAge Canada for their financial support to produce this Season’s podcast.

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If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario’s YouTube Channel.

Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults.