October gives us two important opportunities to celebrate and reflect on aging: International Day of Older Persons on October 1 and Ageism Awareness Day on October 9. Both observances invited us to look at how we view aging—not as something to fear or resist, but as a process that brings growth, wisdom, and opportunity.
At SeniorsPlus, we believe that older adults bring resilience, knowledge, and a wealth of experience that strengthens our communities every day. Yet too often, society focuses on the challenges of aging rather than the strengths. Ageism—stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on age—can show up in subtle ways: jokes about “senior moments,” assumptions that older adults can’t learn new things, or even policies that limit access to work, health care, or social engagement. These attitudes don’t just hurt older adults—they hurt all of us, by narrowing our sense of what’s possible at every stage of life.
Combating ageism starts with awareness. It begins with conversations that challenge stereotypes, workplaces that value experience, and communities that include all ages at the table. It’s about celebrating older adults not only for what they have contributed in the past, but for the vibrant, active, and evolving roles they continue to play today.
And there is powerful research showing that how we think about aging can directly influence how long we live. A study presented at a recent conference I attended shared that people who have a positive attitude about their own aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who hold negative views. That means embracing aging with confidence and optimism isn’t just good for our outlook—it’s good for our health.
Fostering intergenerational respect is another key part of the solution. When younger and older people share stories, skills, and experiences, both groups benefit. A grandparent teaching a grandchild how to cook a family recipe, a teenager helping an older neighbor navigate a smartphone, or a volunteer project that pairs students with retirees—all these moments build empathy, understanding, and connection.
Aging is not a problem to be solved; it’s an achievement that should be celebrated. Every older adult deserves to live in a community that values their voice, supports their independence, and sees their continued potential. As we mark these observances in October, let’s each take time to reflect on our own assumptions about aging and consider how we can create a more inclusive culture—one that truly honors the dignity and contributions of people at every age. We can practice and demonstrate these beliefs every day of the year, not just in October!
Because when we build a world that works for older adults, we build a world that works better for everyone.
Laure Johnson is the Community Services Director at SeniorsPlus.
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