Seabury Resources for Aging Joins Forces with the American Society on Aging to Celebrate Ageism Awareness Day.

Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age.

Seabury Resources for Aging Joins Forces with the American Society on Aging to Celebrate Ageism Awareness Day.

In conjunction with the American Society on Aging (ASA), Seabury Resources for Aging, an organization that supports older adults across the greater Washington, DC region by providing deeply affordable housing and transportation solutions, minimizing food insecurity and social isolation, and creating safe and compassionate solutions for living with dignity, is proud to celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on this upcoming Wednesday, October 9, 2024. This important day, inspired by the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons (October 1), serves as a platform to highlight the existence and impact of ageism in our society.

“We live in an aging society, which is a wonderful, remarkable thing,” says ASA’s President & CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD. “However, too many of us view aging with fear, denial, and even hostility. We are all growing older. We can’t afford to limit ourselves and others with such negative and harmful views. Let’s lean into the opportunities, diversity, and full range of experiences that come with aging.”

Seabury Resources is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through innovative support services and programs that empower individuals to embrace aging positively. By partnering with ASA, Seabury Resources aims to raise awareness of ageism and its detrimental effects on individuals of all ages.

“At Seabury, we believe that aging is a journey filled with potential and opportunity. By addressing ageism, we can foster a culture that celebrates the contributions of older adults and empowers them to live fulfilling lives. Together with the American Society on Aging, we are committed to changing perceptions and ensuring that every individual is valued, regardless of their age.”

— Dawn Quattlebaum, CEO, Seabury Resources for Aging

Ageism is one of the most pervasive and socially accepted forms of prejudice. Defined by the World Health Organization, it encompasses the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. This bias influences us at every stage of life, often leading to harmful assumptions about individuals simply because of their age.

Key facts about ageism, which affects people of all ages and has far-reaching consequences, include:

- Various forms of ageism exist, including internalized, cultural, implicit, institutional, and benevolent.

- Negative self-perceptions of aging can diminish quality of life and potentially shorten lifespan by up to 7.5 years.

- Ageism intersects with and exacerbates other forms of discrimination, such as racism.

- Older adults are often underrepresented in the media and portrayed through negative stereotypes.

- The United Nations reports that globally, one in two people exhibit ageist attitudes.

“The American Society on Aging, alongside our partners at Seabury Resources, is committed to raising awareness about ageism and its harms,” adds Clark-Shirley. “Together, we can take meaningful steps to change perceptions and actions surrounding aging. We invite everyone to join us in this crucial effort!”

Learn more about ageism and how you can take action by visiting seaburyresources.org and ASA’s Ageism Awareness Day webpage.