Flipping the Script

Ageism — a term coined over 50 years ago by gerontologist Robert Butler — describes the stereotypes and discrimination directed at people simply because of our age. Connecting Generations is working to change that. Recently, my colleague Nicki Rogers and I were invited to present at the Kansas Governor's Conference on Aging, themed, Rooted in Respect, Growing an Age-Friendly Kansas. Our presentation focused on combatting ageism through intergenerational programming. We had the opportunity to continue raising awareness about ageism and to share one approach we've discovered that challenges society’s narrative about what it means to grow older. During Connecting Generations, we measure how students’ expectations and attitudes toward aging change from the start to the end of their experience. And what we find is powerful: by semester’s end, their post-surveys reveal major shifts in how they describe aging, their own expectations and attitudes towards aging, and even the age they consider “old.” A new perspective emerges; one built through meaningful connections that span generations.

This means we have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us, an opportunity to impact how future generations engage with our aging society. But the key will be community, which is the driver behind the Age-Friendly concept. Highlighted at the conference was the initiative to become an Age-Friendly state. In case you aren't familiar, both Wichita State University and the City of Wichita have been designated as age-friendly. In fact, Wichita State is the first university in Kansas to earn the designation. So, what is the age-friendly difference? It's creating a space where we all work together - older people, communities, policies, services, settings, and structures to support and enable healthy and active aging. It's about providing the opportunities for older adults to access and connect with their surrounding environment. An age-friendly mentality results in breaking down barriers, changing perspectives on what it means to age, and to age well. It creates a "we" instead of "them" mentality, as we all embrace not only our aging society, but our future aging selves with acceptance, grace, and positivity for the future ahead - a future that is Age-Friendly.