Submitted by: Melody Land
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or
ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age.
The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day Oct. 9, 2024.
Like racism and sexism, ageism serves a social and economic purpose: to legitimize and sustain inequalities between groups. It's not about how we look. It's about how people in power assign meaning to how we look.
Stereotyping-the assumption that all members of a group are the same-underlies ageism ( as it does all "isms"). Stereotyping is always a mistake, but especially when it comes to age, because the older we get, the more differentfrom one another we become.
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or
ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age.
The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day Oct. 9, 2024.
Like racism and sexism, ageism serves a social and economic purpose: to legitimize and sustain inequalities between groups. It's not about how we look. It's about how people in power assign meaning to how we look.
Stereotyping-the assumption that all members of a group are the same-underlies ageism ( as it does all "isms"). Stereotyping is always a mistake, but especially when it comes to age, because the older we get, the more differentfrom one another we become.
Attitudes about age-as well as race and gender-start to form in early childhood. Over a lifetime, they harden into a set of truths: "just the way it is." Unless we challenge ageist stereotypes-Old people are incompetent. Wrinkles are ugly. It's sad to be old-we feel shame and embarrassment instead of taking pride in the accomplishment of ageing. That's internalized ageism.
By blinding us to the benefits of ageing and heightening our fears, ageism makes growing older far harder than it has to be. It damages our sense of self, segregates us, diminishes our prospects, and actually shortens lives.
What are the antidotes?
• Awareness: the critical starting point is to acknowledge our own prejudices about age and ageing. (Download a copy of Who me, Ageist? How to Start a Consciousness Raising Group.) Then we can start to see that "personal problems" -such as not being able to get a job or being belittled or feeling patronized-are actually widely shared social problems that require collective action.
• Integration: connect with people of all ages. An equitable society for all ages requires intergenerational collaboration.
• Activism: watch for ageist behaviours and attitudes in and around us, challenge them, and create language and models that support every stage of life.
Here are the top priorities for 2024:
With thanks to Jan Grant, Horizon Health Network who provided this information from the following resources.
Please check them out for more information on ageism!
asaging.org/ageism-awareness
Ashton Applewhite - https://thischairrocks.com
changingthenarrativeco.org
By blinding us to the benefits of ageing and heightening our fears, ageism makes growing older far harder than it has to be. It damages our sense of self, segregates us, diminishes our prospects, and actually shortens lives.
What are the antidotes?
• Awareness: the critical starting point is to acknowledge our own prejudices about age and ageing. (Download a copy of Who me, Ageist? How to Start a Consciousness Raising Group.) Then we can start to see that "personal problems" -such as not being able to get a job or being belittled or feeling patronized-are actually widely shared social problems that require collective action.
• Integration: connect with people of all ages. An equitable society for all ages requires intergenerational collaboration.
• Activism: watch for ageist behaviours and attitudes in and around us, challenge them, and create language and models that support every stage of life.
Here are the top priorities for 2024:
- Encourage more people to take a public stand on ageism
- Encourage new communities & organizations to recognize Ageism Awareness Day
- Flood the internet and media with pro-age related content!
With thanks to Jan Grant, Horizon Health Network who provided this information from the following resources.
Please check them out for more information on ageism!
asaging.org/ageism-awareness
Ashton Applewhite - https://thischairrocks.com
changingthenarrativeco.org
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