engAGE Travis County and the American Society on Aging will celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on Oct. 7, 2023. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.
“We live in an aging society, which is a wonderful, remarkable thing,” says ASA’s Interim President & CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD. “But too many of us view aging with fear, denial and even hostility. We are all growing older. We can’t afford to limit ourselves and other people with such negative and harmful views, and why would we want to? Let’s lean into the opportunities, diversity, and full range of experiences that come with aging.”
The most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”
Evidence shows ageism is widespread in society and can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see on TV, in advertising, and in the media.
A few facts about ageism, which affects people of any age and harms all:
- There are many forms of ageism, including internalized, cultural, implicit and benevolent.
- Ageism decreases quality of life and can shorten lifespan by 7.5 years.
- Although it is universal, people do not always take ageism as seriously as they do other forms of inequity.
- Ageism intersects with, and exacerbates all other discriminatory “isms.”
- In the media, underrepresented older adults most often reflect negative stereotypes.
- According to the United Nations, on a global scale, one in two people are ageist.
“The American Society on Aging and our members, partners, and allies are raising awareness about ageism and its harms,” adds Clark-Shirley, “so we can each take steps to change how we feel and act about aging. I hope you will join us!”
