Fighting Ageism at Any Age
Elderspeak–talking in a condescending or other demeaning manner to older adults–is one of the many prevalent ways ageism is manifested. And sometimes it happens well before senior citizenship. As NPR notes, pushing back against ageist comments in all forms, including those directed internally, is one key to a longer, healthier life.
Envisioning a Less Ageist Society
The Stanford Center on Longevity will host Century Summit V, January 22-23, 2025, with limited in-person attendance at Stanford and a virtual audience around the world. The conference will focus on challenging ageism and creating a positive intergenerational society. Attendance is free, and more information, along with the registration link, can be found by following the link below.
A New Vision for a Less Ageist Society
Join the Stanford Center on Longevity for Century Summit V taking place January 22-23, 2025, in person at Stanford University, and online via a virtual platform. The conference will focus on the challenges of ageism, and the importance of bringing generations together to create a more inclusive society. Guest speakers include Anne Lamott, Louise Aronson, and Ashton Applewhite. The conference is free of charge, but in-person attendance is by invitation or application only. Follow the link below to learn more.
Words Matter
Attendees at the annual Gerontological Society of America (GSA) conference took a deep dive into how words can propagate ageism and bolster negative stereotypes of older adults. Actions included analyzing 62 million social media posts on the platform X for ageist terminology, and examining how older characters are described in children’s books. One notable, concrete effort was petitioning two of the world’s most respected dictionaries—Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam Webster—to update their definitions of ageism to encompass a broader description of who is impacted. Results TBD.
Rebranding the Senior Center
Think senior centers are all about bingo, bland food, and boring TV? Well, think again. Galvanized by a demographic evolution—specifically, a large swath of adults living longer, more active lives, today’s senior centers are dropping the word “senior” from their names, and offering pickleball, tech labs, speed dating, and more.
#TalkAbout Ageism
Ageism not only impacts older adults, but can have a negative effect on younger folks too, particularly women. Check out how @asaging is raising awareness of the ways age-focused bias can compromise mental and physical health, financial security, and personal interactions, and what you can do about it.
Glass Ceilings, Walls, and Floors
The Stanford Center on Longevity is taking a year-long, deep dive into the impacts of living in an ageist society, as well as potential solutions and innovations. The project’s second webinar, “Ageism & Women,” discusses gendered ageism and how it undermines women’s careers, health, societal dynamics, and everyday lives. To register for the October 8th program, click the link below.
Ageism’s Roots Run Deep
The Stanford Center on Longevity is taking a year-long, deep dive into the impacts of living in an ageist society, as well as potential solutions and innovations. The project kicks off with the September 26th webinar, “How Ageism Affects Our Lives,” which examines the deep roots of ageism in the U.S., and its influence across work, healthcare, and community. To register for the program, click the link below.
In with the “Old”
“A rose is a rose is a rose,” wrote author Gertrude Stein in her 1913 poem, “Sacred Emily.” Her point: It is as it appears. Any word can be substituted for “rose” and the construct will hold true. Just as, old is old is old. It is what it is. Period. Yet, our ageist society has essentially banished the word from common parlance.
From ‘Material Girl’ to Immaterial Woman?
NPR reports that Madonna calls out ageism as critics deride her new look.