Q: What can we do to help combat ageism?
A: This is a great question and one we all need to think about. Just today I was at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council meeting where ageism was discussed by the Chair of the Council, Dr. Karen Gorback.
She talked about how ageism is the one “ism” that is somehow still accepted in our society. Ageism is stereotyping and discrimination based on a person’s age. From a very young age, stereotypes of older adults are everywhere including in children’s story books that depict old ladies as mean old witches, to television shows that only show older people as frail and confused side characters.
Some kindergarten classes around the country commemorate the 100th day of school by asking parents to send their children to class costumed as stereotypical 100-year-old people. Kids come with white haired wigs, walkers and frumpy clothing with glasses. While this may seem like a silly or fun activity, the negative effects it has on our children’s view of older adults are often overlooked.
At this young age, children are taught to see older adults in a certain way and that means they may view them negatively or discount their contributions as outdated and not useful.
As we grow up, we are inundated with ageist depictions and jokes on television shows, movies, and social media. In fact, there is a website dedicated to allowing people to post things they see and ask the question “is this ageist.” The website is https://yoisthisageist.com/ and people post things they have seen in a forum where others can discuss them.
Commercials target “anti-aging” products and inundate us with the idea that we should buy products to prevent us from aging, even though aging is inevitable.
It is first important that we start to notice these jokes, comments, commercials and characters as ageist. To first see the issue so that we can address it and stand up to it.
There is a great website called “Old School” that works to disseminate resources to educate people about ageism and how to end it. You can visit the website at https://oldschool.info/. The site has compiled a lot of resources, tools and information on current campaigns aimed at ending ageism.
The California Department of Aging has a campaign to combat ageism and promote equality. They have a website filled with resources as well as campaigns to help end ageism. You can learn more at https://aging.ca.gov/California_For_All_Ages/
To fight ageism, we must first ensure that we ourselves are anti-ageist. Often, we internalize negative stereotypes without even realizing it. We make self-deprecating jokes about our own aging. Instead, I urge you to stop the narrative that aging in bad.
Everyone gets to be young, but not everyone has the privilege of being old. Start to embrace your aging as a privilege.
Ageism heightens people’s fears of growing old and does not allow us to see the benefits of aging. As we grow older we become more accepting of ourselves and others. We gain wisdom and perspective.
Seek out opportunities to be part of intergenerational programs to show the younger generations that aging is not just a stereotype. Speak up when you hear a joke or commercial that is ageist. Speak to everyone you know and encourage others to stop perpetuating the stereotypes.
Every person of every age deserves to be seen for who they are, and not have to fight negative stereotypes. One step at a time we can all commit to fighting ageism, to speaking up, and to ask for dignity, respect and kindness.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
