October 7 marks Ageism Awareness Day, which is dedicated to shedding light on the issue of ageism in our society. Ageism encompasses stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory behaviors towards individuals based on their age. This Ageism Awareness Day, Sacramento County's Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) is raising awareness about ageism and its impacts.
Ageism is a problem that impacts people from all walks of life and every stage of life. Here are some examples of ageism and ageist behavior:
- Refusing to hire someone based on their age
- Labeling younger adults and teens as inexperienced or unable to contribute to society
- Dismissing the capabilities or knowledge of an older adult
By educating people about what ageism is and how it impacts everyone, DCFAS hopes to educate people so we can work together as a community to stop these damaging stereotypes. We can also prevent ageism by breaking down barriers. According to the World Health Organization, intergenerational interventions play a role in combatting ageism. Intergenerational interventions bring people from different age groups together, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and reducing prejudice and stereotypes. Examples of intergenerational interventions may be a volunteer organization that brings together teens and older adults or a neighborhood group that invites people of all ages to participate in activities. When people from different generations come together, it helps people challenge their biases about different age groups.
Age-based discrimination impacts all of us, from the very young to the oldest adults. By understanding the effects of ageism, we can break down barriers and prevent harmful stereotypes. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate community where people of all ages are celebrated and respected.