Should We Reframe How We Talk About Aging?

In an earlier post, I suggested that ageism is a problem because the research on the subject is inconclusive. One way to bring more awareness to the issue is to improve the public’s understanding of aging. Reframing Aging, a United States research group in its research found that there are stark differences between what professionals in the field of aging believe about older people and the process of aging and what the public believes. We need to find better ways to talk about aging so that the public learns the whole story about aging, not just the incomplete version that focuses on dependence and disability. Some of these gaps include:

Key Drivers of Aging Outcomes

While professionals working in the field of aging recognize the role of contextual, social, and systemic factors in shaping the process and experience of aging, the public sees individuals and their will and personal decisions as determining the shape and outcomes of the life course. 

Attitude Toward Aging

Professionals working in the field of aging believe that aging brings new opportunities and capacities for growth, contribution, and self-expression, while the public sees few positive aspects of aging and views age as an opponent to fight.

Outcomes of Increased Longevity

Advocates and professionals in the field of aging recognize that increased longevity brings both challenges and opportunities. It may mean more years living on a fixed income, living with chronic conditions that require treatment and support, and living beyond our ability to drive our own cars. At the same time, it may mean more opportunities to contribute to families and communities and experience new things for the first time. We know that there are many ways to meet these challenges and maximize these opportunities through programs, policies, education, and new attitudes. The public, on the other hand, sees only the challenges and is not confident that much can be done to ensure well-being in older age.

Policy Solutions

While professionals working in the field of aging explain that successful adaptation to an aging society requires adjustments across the full spectrum of our national infrastructure, the public has largely not considered public policy as a solution.

Ageism

Professionals working in the field of aging are attuned to the myriad ways that older people face discrimination in our society, however, the public is largely not aware of ageism or the need to address it.

To address the lack of knowledge about ageism and its impacts, advocates need to define ageism, explain the problem and its consequences, and suggest systemic solutions in messages about ageism.