By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW,
CEO of Old Colony Elder Services
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and the American Society on Aging (ASA) will recognize Ageism Awareness Day on October 9, 2024. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (October 1), Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight the prejudice of ageism and its effects.
One of the most widespread and socially accepted forms 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) toward others or oneself based on age.” Every time someone makes an age-based assumption, it affects us all.
Evidence shows that ageism is pervasive in a number of settings, including health-care facilities, workplaces, media, entertainment, and advertising.
Did you know that our perception of ourselves aging is a way that ageism shows itself? A negative self-perception of aging can affect one’s quality of life.
According to the Ageism Fact Sheet compiled by the ASA Ageism & Cultural Advisory Council, “Older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with a less positive perception of aging. Also, higher optimism has been associated with a more positive self-perception of aging, which can lead to positive health consequences.”
Today, many older adults are living longer than their parents or grandparents. There remains an old-fashioned belief among some people that growing older means it’s time to slow down, step back from things, and be less involved. However, studies have shown that staying connected, remaining active, and being socially engaged are key elements of thriving while aging.
Awareness is key
Ageism shows up in many ways – between people when they interact, becoming bias toward people of other age groups, and through normalized negative messages about aging.
How can we fight stereotypes and bring forth change? Learn more about ageism and how to take action against it on the ASA Ageism Awareness Day webpage at
About the American Society on Aging
The ASA unites, empowers, and champions everyone working in aging. Since 1954, ASA has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. As a result, ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults. For further information about ASA, visit www.asaging.org.
OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. For more information, visit ocesma.org
Sources:
American Society on Aging. (n.d.) Ageism Awareness Day. https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness
American Society on Aging. (n.d.) Ageism Fact Sheet. https://www.asaging.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/Ageism%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Ageism%20Awareness%20Day_0.pdf
About the Author: Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
