MARION— United Church Homes (UCH) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in celebrating Ageism Awareness Day on October 7, 2023. This significant event, modeled after the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons (October 1), provides a platform to shed light on the presence and impact of ageism within our society.

Peter Kaldes, President and CEO of ASA, emphatically states, “Aging is not a problem; Ageism is. Because of this, we are determined to delve into cultural perspectives on aging and challenge the portrayals of aging at individual, community, and national levels. Our mission is to redefine the conversation around aging as a natural life process, transform the often-negative media representations of aging as a period of decline, and champion older adults as experienced and unique individuals actively engaged in the well-being of their families, communities, and the world.”

Ageism, described 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,” is the most pervasive and socially accepted form of prejudice.

Evidence unequivocally demonstrates the ubiquity of ageism in our society, permeating our workplaces, healthcare systems, and media stereotypes. Some key facts about ageism, which affects individuals of all ages and detrimentally impacts society as a whole, include:

AgeAgeism manifests in various forms, including internalized, cultural, implicit, and benevolent.

  • Ageism significantly diminishes the quality of life and can even reduce lifespan by as much as 7.5 years.
  • Despite its widespread prevalence, ageism is not always treated with the same seriousness as other forms of discrimination.
  • Ageism intersects with and amplifies all other forms of discrimination.
  • In the media, older adults are often portrayed through negative stereotypes.
  • Globally, one in two people is ageist, according to the United Nations.

Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, Vice President of Engagement and Director of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging said, “Ageism is not just a barrier to building a more inclusive and compassionate society; it’s a barrier to understanding the rich tapestry of experiences that come with aging. When we celebrate Ageism Awareness Day, we are not just acknowledging the presence of ageism; we are affirming the value, wisdom, and diversity of older adults in our communities.”

In the lead-up to Ageism Awareness Day, the UCH Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging will host its 8th Annual Symposium on Dismantling Ageism on October 6th in Columbus at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, aimed at creating awareness and promoting discussions on this critical issue. Additionally, UCH has been actively sharing insights through a series of blogs and podcasts, available through the Art of Aging podcast, focusing on the topic of ageism.

Rev. Long-Higgins will engage in a special story time reading on Saturday, October 7th, at Beanbag Books in Delaware, Ohio. This event aims to promote intergenerational understanding and celebrate the rich experiences of older adults.

United Church Homes and the American Society on Aging invite everyone to join in this vital conversation and work together to eradicate ageism from our society.

For more information on the Parker Center Symposium, visit: unitedchurchhomes.org/2023-annual-symposium/

For more information on the Art of Aging podcast, visit: youtube.com/@UCHomesOH

For more information on Ageism Awareness Day, visit: asaging.org/ageism-awareness