Dr Jed Montayre’s passion and determined efforts in gerontology have been recognized with the 2021 National Hartford Centre of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE) Recognition Program for Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award.

The Award is presented annually to internationally recognise nurses teaching and undertaking research in gerontology, the study of the physical and social aspects of aging. The NHCGNE chose to recognise Dr Montayre on the basis of his expertise as an educator in gerontological nursing.

Specialising in gerontology was not the path Dr Montayre, from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Translational Health Research Institute, originally thought he would take, however, whilst working clinically in the early 2010s he realised there was no single shift where he did not look after an older person.  

“I decided to pursue a specialisation in gerontology, focussing on both clinical and social issues that impact on health and wellbeing of older people. Since then, I have been involved in an ongoing dialogue, teaching and research related to ageing and aged care,” said Dr Montayre.

Speaking on the significance of receiving this award, Dr Montayre shared what it personally meant for him to be recognised in this way. 

“It paves the way for me to showcase gerontology nursing as a rewarding career and an important specialty for nurses. I felt honoured to be given a ‘Distinguished Educator’ title, but what I really hope to see and hear, is this will inspire nurses working in aged care to be proud of what they are doing and for future nurses to consider a career in aged care.”

Dr Montayre’s achievements are especially poignant as the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will be celebrated on 1 October.

“It is a reminder to all of us, that we all experience ageing, and it becomes more and more personal each passing year.” said Dr Montayre.  

“The International Day of Older Persons is a way to celebrate ageing and is a call for action for multi-sectoral investment and efforts in ensuring a dignified and better later-life by addressing inequalities and injustice at all levels.” 

Dr Montayre is acutely aware of the biases that exist within our society against older people. His message to the wider Australian public is that we all need to address the ageism in our communities, stop the stereotype, prejudice and discrimination on the basis of age. 

“Unless we achieve that change of narrative and attitude towards older people, we will continue to experience these inequities. As a society, we need to embrace ageing and equally support age-related limitations to optimise participation and contribution of older Australians in all levels.”

Dr Montayre is a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University. He has a strong clinical background in gerontology and medical-surgical nursing, and his research has focused on areas such as ageing and health, cardiovascular health of migrant populations, nursing policy and workforce issues. Dr Montayre also developed the curriculum for the Master of Ageing, Wellbeing and Sustainability at the University.