Australia's bishops called on individuals, communities and governments to reject rampant ageism and the toxic attitudes that often accompany concepts such as "intergenerational theft."

The bishops link Australia's treatment of the elderly with Western discomfort around dying and point to the looming threat posed by euthanasia and assisted dying in a society that "idealises notions of youthfulness and vitality."

Calling for a "renewed solidarity among generations, young and old" - not only in wider society but also in the church - the bishops point out a number of challenges confronting Australia as a country with a rapidly ageing population.