10/09/2025
Today is Ageism Awareness Day
It's the perfect time to change the perception of aging to fully reflect the gift that aging is
Don't know what ageism is?
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 impacts us at every age.
From the American Society on Aging, here's a quick guide to having an age-inclusive mindset: first person first
When in doubt, ask yourself questions such as:
● Is this a way I would like to be described?
● Am I talking about older adults or people of other ages as the “other”?
● Am I using stereotypes about people of a certain age?
● Have I represented the full experience of people of any age, including people
with different cultures, beliefs and identities?
● Are the images I’m using reinforcing stereotypes about people of a particular
age?
Try speaking in first person, e.g., instead of “the elderly need,” it could be “as we age,
we need.”
If it feels demeaning to think of yourself in the way you are describing others,
reconsider how you are making your point.
Let's continue to be grateful for every day we get to get old-ER!
