By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW
CEO of Old Colony Elder Services
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services joins the American Society on Aging in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
What is ageism?
According to the American Society on Aging, “ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or ourselves based on age.” Ageism is one of the most widespread and socially accepted forms of prejudice, and 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.
Ageism affects all ages during every stage in life. Assumptions based on age can limit opportunities, overlook individual strengths, and create barriers between generations. By recognizing common stereotypes, we can challenge them and focus instead on person’s abilities, experiences and potential.
| Instead of assuming… | Recognize that… |
| Older adults are unable to use technology. | People of all ages can learn and adapt to new technology. |
| Older adults are unable to learn new things. | Learning and growth can happen at any age. |
| Young people aren’t motivated. | Motivation varies from person to person and is not determined by age. |
| Younger adults lack knowledge or understanding. | Younger adults bring valuable knowledge, skills, experiences, and fresh perspectives. |
Ageism shows up in many ways: in how we feel about ourselves as we age; in how people of different ages interact; in biases toward people of other age groups; and through normalized negative messages about aging.
Age-inclusive
The words we choose can help promote age-inclusion. Avoid language that generalized individuals based on age.
How can you tell? Ask yourself whether it is a way you would like to be described. Speak in first person and consider how it makes you feel. Ask yourself if negative stereotypes about people of a certain age are being reinforced.
We need to work together to raise awareness, address ageism and promote age-inclusion. Learn more about ageism on the ASA ageism awareness page at https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness.
The American Society on Aging’s mission
The American Society on Aging unites, empowers, and champions everyone striving to improve 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 https://asaging.org.
OCES supports everyone without exception and strives to empower individuals to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential. To learn more about OCES’s comprehensive programs and services, visit ocesma.org.
Sources:
American Society on Aging. (n.d.) Ageism Awareness Day is Oct. 9. https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness/
American Society on Aging. (n.d.) ASA Age-Friendly Communication Guide. https://asaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ASA-Age-Friendly-Communication-Guide-2025-2.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 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) 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.
