The Town of Fairfax recognized Ageism Awareness Day, October 7, 2023, during the October 4 Town Council Meeting. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1),
The most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”
Evidence shows ageism is widespread in society and can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see on TV, advertising and in the media.
Unfortunately, Ageism is often practiced and accepted. As people age, society begins to shift its ideas of what those people are capable of, often based on what we think we know of aging. Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.
The American Society on Aging is promoting this day to help reframe how we talk about aging and older people in a society where ageism is pervasive.