OCTOBER ARTICLE: What is Ageism?
The World Health Organization defines ageism as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age.”
Ageism is one of the most pervasive forms of prejudice and shows up in everyday life in the way people interact, the biases held against different age groups, and the constant stream of negative messages about aging normalized by society.
For instance, the belief that you are “too old” to learn something new or take part in an activity reflects a damaging self-perception of aging; this is one of the ways ageism takes hold. Jokes about old age or forgetfulness also reinforce and normalize harmful stereotypes about growing older. Speaking to an older person in a condescending tone or making casual age-related comments are everyday examples of ageism in action.
As research has demonstrated, ageism is ever-present in several settings. It is found in media, entertainment and advertising, as well as in health care facilities and workplaces. According to the Ageism Fact Sheet compiled by the American Society on Aging (ASA) Ageism & Cultural Advisory Council, ageism can impact us at any age, impacting someone we care for or ourselves.
One of the ways to combat ageism is by raising awareness and recognizing Ageism Awareness Day on October 9, 2025. Take a stand against ageism; fight stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination based on age; and work to build age-inclusive communities. Learn more about ageism and what you can do about it on ASA’s Ageism Awareness Day webpage at https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness/
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. For more information, visit ocesma.org
Sources:
World Health Organization. (2025, April 28). Ageing: Ageism. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism
American Society on Aging. (n.d.). October 9 is Ageism Awareness Day. https://asaging.org/ageism-awareness/
American Society on Aging. (n.d.). Ageism Fact Sheet. https://asaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ageism-Awareness-Day-Fact-Sheet-2025-1.pdf
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton and Plymouth. Local marches held in June raise awareness of elder abuse.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
by Kerry Zingaro
JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
June is Pride Month, a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked a global movement for the rights and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Join OCES in remembering this important time in history and in celebrating Pride Month.
Read more … JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
by Kerry Zingaro
Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon
Read more … Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon
by Kerry Zingaro
MAY ARTICLE: May is Older Americans Month
In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month which is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.
by Kerry Zingaro
APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, is a day to raise environmental awareness and take action to preserve and protect our planet.
Ensuring clean air, clean water and a healthy environment is essential. Everyone has a role to play and can make a difference. There are many ways to get involved on Earth Day. Attend an event, gain a better understanding about Earth Day and share that knowledge with others.
Read more … APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
by Kerry Zingaro
"March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) announced its participation in the 20th annual March for Meals Campaign. The month of March was recognized nationwide as the time when local Meals on Wheels programs come together to raise awareness and help demonstrate the importance of this vital program.
Read more … "March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
by Kerry Zingaro
MARCH ARTICLE: Honoring Women in Social Work
March is both Women’s History Month and Social Work Month! In recognition of both, we’re honoring dedicated women in the social work profession
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES is Participating in the March for Meals Campaign - Nutrition Program in Urgent Need of Support
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in greater Plymouth County is participating in the March for Meals campaign, a national effort to raise awareness about senior hunger and the importance of nutrition services.
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Employees Honored with Milestone Awards
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) honored 24 staff members, including their Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long, with milestone awards during their annual staff meeting in January.
by Kerry Zingaro
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Random Acts of Kindness
February is a month that celebrates care and compassion, highlighted by Valentine’s Day on February 14 and National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
