Positive Aging v. Ageism

Positive Aging v. Ageism

Our society is aging. The United States is in the midst of a significant demographic shift. Unfortunately, the occurrence of ageism is growing Recognizing Ageism just as rapidly as the older adult Ageism hides in plain population. According to the World sight. It is often disguised Health Organization, “Ageism is the as harmless comments, stereotyping and discrimination or it may even be against individuals or groups on the phrased as a compliment. basis of their age.” However, comments and Understanding Ageism on stereotypes of older

Ageism is based on the belief people or that perpetuate that “old” equals “less”—less active, discrimination because of less important, less engaged, less age are ageist. everything. Accordingly, using a senior center, Some examples: moving to a senior living community, “She looks good for HER AGE.” or working with a service for older adults would mean admitting that “My Dad is 85 and STILL exercises daily.” you are “old” or “less.” This toxic “She dresses TOO YOUNG.” belief system prevents many people from seeking out options that could “He is TOO OLD for this job.” enhance their lives. “I’m not old like OTHER people my age.”

In fact, senior living communities “We don’t want to be a restaurant for OLD FOLKS.” and services offer added convenience and an enhanced sense of purpose. They offer more—not less. “I don’t NEED HELP. I’m not old.” “I’ll never MOVE to a senior living community. I’m not old.”

Addressing Ageism

It is time to address ageism head on. This is a form of discrimination, and it is not acceptable.

If we accept aging as a natural— serve as an inspiration for what and anyone is “too old” for anything. and welcome—part of the lifespan, who we want to become. There is no specific way that older then we can celebrate all the positive One of the simplest methods for adults should look, act or behave. aspects of growing older. We won’t addressing ageism is to not allow it Positive Aging Sourcebook is look as elders as “others” but as or perpetuate it. Don’t make age- committed to engaging our community ourselves. After all, we all strive to be related comments on appearances in a dialogue that will help reduce the older one day. Older adults should or behaviors. Don’t ever assume that Continued on page 111

Seeing Ageism

During a recent ProAging digital discussion, Wes Morrison, a volunteer with AARP and other senior-serving organizations, recounted how ageism impacted his health. After getting new glasses, he found that he couldn’t see clearly out of the reading area.

After confirming that the prescription was too strong for his eyes, Wes’s ophthalmologist

behaviors that are based “People YOUR AGE shouldn’t _________________ ” explained, “Our interns and residents feel that if you are 60 and over you should have a stronger prescription than what the machine indicates.”

These medical professionals ignored the results of a medical test and ordered a stronger prescription based on an age-related assumption. Wes couldn’t see out of his glasses, but

he could see that was ageist. To hear the complete discussion or join a future conversation, visit retirementlivingsourcebook.com/ digitaldiscussions.