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Aging, is in Fact, Life Itself

October 7, 2022

Today we honor Ageism Awareness Day to bring attention to the discrimination and prejudice older adults face on a regular basis. Family Eldercare programs strive to bring dignity and inclusion to every person we serve. Promoting dignity and inclusion must include breaking the stigma associated with getting old and instead embracing aging as a part of our shared human experience. 

 Aging, the process of growing old, happens to all of us. Yet many of us view aging negatively, which can lead to ageism. But what is ageism? Medical News Today reports, “Ageism is prejudice or discrimination against people based on their age. It typically applies to people who are older but can also affect young people. Ageism has a negative impact on physical and mental health, and reports link it with earlier death.”  

 This thinking became more common in the mid-1970’s after Dr. Robert Butler coined the term ageism. Age discrimination continues today. AGE of Central Texas performed a survey in 2019 that reported,  

 “Nine out of 10 Central Texans responded that it’s very likely or is somewhat likely that ageism exists because older adults’ experiences and wisdom are undervalued or undercelebrated in the U.S.” 

 What does ageism look like in real life? Medical News Today states, “treating family members as though they are invisible, unintelligent, or expendable,” or “disregarding someone’s concerns or wishes due to their age” are both harmful examples of ageism in everyday life.   

 The World Health Organization suggests three ways to combat ageism:  

  1. education to dispel myths and stereotypes and raise awareness of the impact of ageism;  
  2. intergenerational interventions, which create cooperation and empathy between age groups; and  
  3. law and policy changes, which can reduce inequity and discrimination.”  

Family Eldercare seeks to combat ageism. Our annual 80 Over Eighty event celebrates the rich diversity of Central Texans age 80 and over. Our Lifetime Connections Without Walls services offers a way for older adults to connect and learn through phone-based and virtual activities. We advocate for the fair and equitable treatment of older adults in our community.  

 Because aging, is in fact, life itself. 

A confident older woman telling her life story

 Check out some of our Family Eldercare events and services: 

Family Eldercare’s 80 Over Eighty Celebration 

Lifetime Connections Without Walls  

In-Home Counseling 

Living/Aging Resources:   

Austin Up-   https://www.austinup.org/   

Aging Services Council of Central Texas-   https://www.agingservicescouncil.org/   

Community Positive Aging-    https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/ 

Changing the Narrative- https://changingthenarrativeco.org/ 

Read More from Family Eldercare

Resources for Mental Health Professionals

Part Five of Family Eldercare’s Series on Navigating Racial Trauma If you are a mental health professional seeking more information on how to best support clients who are experiencing racial trauma, or clients who are of a different race/ethnicity than yourself, the following resources are available to you: Informational and Peer Reviewed Articles: An Overview …

Finding a Black Therapist

Part Four of Family Eldercare’s Series on Navigating Racial Trauma If you decide to seek support through counseling, it’s critical to find a provider who honors your values and beliefs, as well as discusses what is important to you. You may also feel more comfortable speaking with a therapist who is the same race or …

How to Cope with Racial Trauma

Part Three of Family Eldercare’s Series on Navigating Racial Trauma Witnessing or experiencing violence and discrimination can generate racial trauma across all age groups within the Black community. Exposure to stories and lived experiences involving racial profiling, police brutality, harassment, and criminalization can be overwhelmingly disturbing and evoke mental and emotional responses that often go …

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Main Line: 512.450.0844

Intake & Referrals Line: 512.483.3580

Fax: 512.459.6436
info@familyeldercare.org

Austin
1700 Rutherford Ln.
Austin, TX 78754

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