Age is one of the first things we notice about other people, so it’s not surprising that we live in a world that categorizes us by how many years we have been alive. Unfortunately, this can lead to ageism.
Ageism is as insidious as it is damaging. It often comes disguised as jokes or helpfulness or even compliments, but it is used to strip older adults of their individuality, their agency, and their rights. It devalues older adults and is used to exclude them from many aspects of our society. It negatively impacts people’s emotional and physical health as well as their finances. It can even reduce their life expectancy.
Ageism Awareness Day (October 9) is an opportunity to raise awareness about ageism and fight against it. Here are some things you can do:
♦ Read Ageism Unmasked by Tracey Gendron and join our Ageism Book Study at Decker Branch Library on Thursday, October 17, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
♦ Visit denlib.org/asafacts for quotable information on the impact of ageism.
♦ Use the hashtag #TalkAboutAgeism on social media all year to bring attention to ageism in our society.
Let’s fight ageism together and create a new reality of generational harmony and elderhood!
Thursday, Oct. 17, 31, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Decker
We will discuss the book Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. Participants will receive free copies of the book! Registration required at: denlib.org/unmasked.