by Georgia Lane, Senior Program Developer, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
According to research by the Stanford Center on Longevity, half of today’s five-year-olds will live to be 100. We’re experiencing a longevity revolution like never before in human history! However, our institutions, economic policies, cultural norms, and personal beliefs are not keeping pace with this new age of aging.
Living longer lives requires us to dismantle traditional views on aging and redesign the way we think about this new phase of life. But the beliefs we hold–individually and collectively–about aging keep us from living our most productive and fulfilling lives as we age.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as how we think (stereotypes), feel (prejudices) and act (discrimination) towards others or ourselves on the basis of age. WHO has said ageism is one of the biggest threats to health.
Studies have shown that people who internalize negative stereotypes about aging are more likely to experience declines in physical and mental health—and live, on average, 7.5 years less than those with more positive self-perceptions.
Think about it: age is completely relative! We are always older or younger than someone else. Aging = living, and we’re all doing it. There is no line of demarcation between old and young. Binary views on old vs. young leads to a belief that people of different ages are separate from us, and we fall into the same “othering” traps as we do with other “isms”. Busting unproductive stereotypes about aging can result in investments in the infrastructure and services that support us as we age.
Ageism is everywhere: in the workplace (64% of older workers believe that they face age discrimination.) in healthcare (Older adults are not included in clinical trials and less likely receive preventive care.) and in the media (the 50+ population accounts for more than half of the consumer spending, yet only an estimated 5 to 10% of marketing budgets are devoted to winning them over.)
The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day on October 9th. Learn more about ageism and how to take action on the American Society on Aging Ageism Awareness Day webpage. Additional resources and learning opportunities are included below.
At a time of great division, understanding something that impacts us all has a great power to unite. Let’s join together around the universality of aging, and recognizing that full inclusion of older people in every aspect of life results in a stable workforce, healthier people, a stronger economy and vibrant communities.
Here’s How to Combat Ageism
The World Health Organization identifies three proven strategies to reduce ageism:
- Policy and Law: Laws and policies can combat age discrimination and uphold human rights. This includes creating new legislation or amending existing policies that allow age-based bias.
- Educational Interventions: Education at all levels can correct misconceptions, promote empathy, and reduce prejudice by sharing accurate information and diverse examples of aging.
- Intergenerational Contact: Programs that bring people of different ages together are highly effective in reducing ageism—especially toward older adults, but also youth.
By promoting policies, educating people of all ages, and encouraging meaningful connections across generations, we can create a society that embraces aging as a natural, valuable part of life.
Resources to Help Combat Ageism
- And So We Grow…Sowing Seeds to End Ageism: A curated set of 13 children’s books with a reader’s guide to build positive attitudes about aging in kids—and adults too.
- Words Matter Campaign: A series of 30-second videos that help shift how we speak about aging. Small changes—like removing “ly” from “elderly”—can reshape perceptions.
- Frame of Mind Video Series: Produced by the National Center to Reframe Aging, these under-three-minute videos challenge cultural misconceptions and promote a more equitable view of aging.
- Generations United: A national leader in intergenerational programming, this organization connects children, youth, and older adults through innovative, impactful programs. They also serve as a hub for program models and advocacy across the U.S. and internationally.
Georgia Lane, AAAA Senior Program Developer, leads regional efforts that support organizations and communities in adopting Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly lens. She helps to engage stakeholders to make meaningful change in their community. She believes that aging is a gift, and is passionate about reframing the way we think, talk, and act about aging. She offers presentations on ageism, Age-Friendly Frameworks, the longevity economy, dementia, social connection, Age-Friendly businesses and more.
Learn more about the Vital Aging Network’s Aging with Gusto and Confronting Ageism workshops.