SeniorCare and the American Society on Aging will celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and harms of ageism in our society. This year, we are highlighting the richness and wide-ranging experiences of aging to counteract the myth that our chronological age defines who we are.
“Aging is a universal experience, but it happens in different ways for different people. Too often, we think about aging only in terms of what we lose, and assume that everyone we consider to be “old” has the same concerns and experiences. But that’s simply not true. Society is always stronger when we embrace the many different voices, experiences, and perspectives that make us who we are; our chronological age contributes to that richness and needs to be viewed as an asset.”
Yet one of the most widespread and socially accepted forms of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” It impacts us at all ages, every time people make assumptions about us because of our age.
Ageism can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see in entertainment, advertising and the media. But despite the many pervasive myths about aging, reality is quite different:
- Myth: If I avoid aging, I’ll be happier and healthier. Reality: We can and should change our views about aging. Negative self-perceptions of aging decrease quality of life and can shorten lifespan by 5 years.
- Myth: Aging is the same for everyone. Reality: Our experience of aging ranges widely, depending on many factors, from genetics to encompassing factors like policies and culture. Ageism exacerbates other experiences of discrimination.
- Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things, are hoarding wealth – and many other negative stereotypes portrayed in the media. Reality: We learn and engage at every age and older adults are not uniform in wealth, beliefs or any other aspect of who they are.
- Myth: Differences between generations are substantial. Reality: Differences between generations have been overblown, and we often share as much across generations as within them. These beliefs keep us from working together on issues that impact people of every age.
“The American Society on Aging and our members, partners, and allies are raising awareness about ageism and its harms,” adds Clark-Shirley. “Together, we are advancing a new, more complete narrative that recognizes the many ways people experience aging, while working to break down the barriers that keep us from building a world where everyone can grow older on their own terms. Join us as we shape a future where we all thrive as we age!”
Learn more about ageism and how to take action at the American Society on Aging Ageism Awareness Day website.