OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?

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 (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) 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…
Older adults are unable to use technology.
Older adults are unable to learn new things.
Young people aren’t motivated.
Younger adults lack knowledge or understanding.

Recognize that…
People of all ages can learn and adapt to new technology.
Learning and growth can happen at any age.
Motivation varies from person to person and is not determined by age.
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 webpage at https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness/

 

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

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