Ageism Awareness Day
By: Abigail Rossi, SDSU CEAL Intern
Ageism Awareness Day!
October 9 marks Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to recognize the assumptions and stereotypes in society that affect how we see and treat one another. Ageism can affect people across the lifespan, but it can have a particularly significant impact on older adults.
It is important to recognize our own biases and how they contribute to broader societal beliefs. Aging is a lifelong process that affects each one of us. The sooner we “age together” and learn from one another, we can create communities that value people at every age.
The SDSU Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL) works to challenge these barriers and create opportunities for learning, connection, and engagement across generations. Our Reel Connections Cinema Club highlights the power of intergenerational connection. Movies have a unique ability to bring people of different generations together through shared experiences.. After each film, there is a guided discussion, fostering engagement of multiple generations to express their opinions.
Having attended the Intergenerational Reel Cinema Club myself, I have gained perspectives I may not have otherwise considered, and learned about experiences I can relate to. Last month, we watched A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood, which sparked conversations about the iconic Mr. Rodgers. As a widely recognized figure across multiple generations, Mr. Rodgers provided common ground for participants to share their experiences. The film itself emphasizes the importance of learning about others before making judgements. Intergenerational opportunities allow individuals to appreciate one another, build meaningful relationships, and recognize that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Your perception shapes your aging process. It affects all of us!
Building relationships between younger and older adults can help challenge ageism and foster a more age-inclusive society. Promoting a more age-inclusive society begins with self-awareness. By remaining open to individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives, we create opportunities to gain new perspectives and engage in meaningful conversation.
You are invited to help challenge ageism in your own community!
One of the best ways to challenge assumptions about age is simply to spend time with people from different generations. Join us for the Reel Connections Cinema Club and the Intergenerational Coffee Club. Both events are designed to bring generations together, build relationships, and create opportunities to learn from one another.
We hope you’ll join us and be part of creating a more age-inclusive community.
