Ageism is discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping based on age. It is the one “ism” many of us will experience.
It’s not an “ism” that comes immediately to mind because all too often we laugh about it.
This page provides the latest information and tools to take on ageism.

 

Combatting ageism in healthcare.

[Link] Moving toward age-friendly health systems.
Using the 4 M’s, medical systems focus on “What Matters,” “Mobility,” “Medication,” and “Mentation” when treating older persons.

Ageism in healthcare.
[Link] The Invisible Patient, Elderspeak, “Because of your age…”

 

Ageism is internalized.

Our own negative self-perceptions about aging are related to physical loses and depressive symptoms. The indoctrination of ageism throughout our lives eventually can lead to poorer physical and mental health, social isolation and loneliness, financial insecurity, decreased quality of life and even premature death. Dr. Tracey Gendron, author of Ageism Unmasked, notes people with positive attitudes toward aging live on average seven and a half years longer than those with negative attitudes!

 

Moving toward age-friendly communities.

Age-friendly communities have three characteristics.

  1. Age is not a significant barrier to the maintenance of lifelong interests and activities.

  2. Supports and accommodations exist to enable individuals with age-related disabilities to meet basic health and social needs.

  3. Opportunities exist for older adults to develop new sources of fulfullment and engagement.

Like many communities, Monroe County and the City of Rochester have put forth a “Creating a Community for a Lifetime Plan. Read about it here.
Learn more about the Monroe County Aging Alliance.

 

Make a difference - buy age-friendly birthday cards.

Age-friendly Vibes has uplifting cards and other products which celebrate aging.

 

A Celebration of Aging

Since 1996, Lifespan has held the Celebration of Aging, a community luncheon which focuses attention on the positive aspects of our longer lives. We bring a nationally-known speaker to Rochester, and honor local older adults who have a “take it on” attitude.