She states, “We age in relation to others. There are always people older than you in the room and younger than you in the room.” This linguistic shift not only fosters inclusivity but also reframes aging as a collective human experience rather than an isolated phenomenon.

Rethinking Cultural Constructs

Cultural constructs around aging can be deeply ingrained, often resulting in ageism. Yet, while ageism is pervasive, it is not an insurmountable barrier. Historically, age has not always been a significant marker in societal roles.

“A little bit of research about the 19th century shows that older adults went to school with children to learn to read. Age was not a factor; the commonality was literacy. The only question was, can you read, or can’t you read?” Adriane notes. This historical perspective underlines the notion that “age essentialism” is a relatively modern construct.

Applewhite broadens this discussion by addressing age essentialism, the undue importance placed on one’s chronological age. She advocates for acknowledging age as one of many identifiers, stating, “I like your phrase, age essentialism because we give age way more credit than it deserves.” Here, she urges a cultural shift towards seeing age as just another aspect of human identity, comparable to being vegetarian or allergic to shellfish — noteworthy but not defining.

Community-Led Initiatives and Grassroots Change

Applewhite speaks enthusiastically about Old School, an anti-ageism clearinghouse designed to be a comprehensive resource for ageism-related education and advocacy. ”Old School aims to be a central hub where people can find reliable information, tools, and support to challenge ageism in various sectors, including healthcare, employment, and media.”

A highlighted event is the Summer School in Montreal, a convening set to explore the future devoid of ageism. “We will come together, we will discuss each of us, what this topic means to us, what we bring to the discussion,” Applewhite explains. This participatory format aims to create actionable outcomes, building a roadmap for future advocacy.

Key Takeaways

• Language Matters: The terms we use to describe aging influence societal perceptions and can either perpetuate or dismantle ageism.
• Cultural Awareness: Both demographic trends and intersecting forms of discrimination, like ableism, shape the narrative around aging.
• Active Solutions: Grassroots activism and educational initiatives, such as those by Old School, foster meaningful change.

Expanding the Scope: Ableism and Ageism

Applewhite asserts that much of what people fear about aging actually revolves around emerging disabilities. “Ableism is prejudice and stigma and discrimination on the basis of physical and mental capacity,” she notes.

This modern rethinking is crucial for fostering an inclusive society where aging and disability are not stigmatized but are seen as integral parts of the human experience. As Applewhite aptly explains, “An awful lot of what we think of as ageism is actually ableism.” By decoupling age from disability, society can better address both issues without conflating them.

Additionally, Applewhite points to universal design principles that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Curb cuts were initially meant for wheelchair users, but they also assist parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and more. This “curb cut effect” demonstrates how accommodations for people with disabilities can enhance accessibility for all, thereby normalizing and removing stigma from such adaptations.

Untangling Complex Issues and Moving Forward

Applewhite encapsulates the essence by stating, “The most important thing we can do… is to educate ourselves about ageism from all different perspectives.” This education involves not only self-awareness but a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and respect for differences, irrespective of age or ability.

In sum, the key to dismantling ageism lies in reframing how we talk about and perceive aging. By prioritizing community, promoting inclusive language, and understanding the broader cultural and political landscape, society can pave the way for a more equitable future.