Leading the Fight: Organizations Combatting Ageism
Ageism—prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination based on age—is a deeply rooted issue with significant consequences for the health, well-being, and economic security of older adults. Thankfully, a number of organizations are dedicated to challenging ageist attitudes and creating a more inclusive society. These groups work on multiple fronts, from public policy and workplace reform to education and narrative change.
The National Center to Reframe Aging
The National Center to Reframe Aging, an initiative led by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), is at the forefront of changing how we talk about and perceive aging. Its mission is to end ageism by building a more equitable and comprehensive story of aging. Instead of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, the Center provides communication strategies and resources to help advocates, journalists, and the public frame aging issues in a more positive, accurate light. By shifting the public narrative, it aims to influence policies and foster a society that recognizes the value and contributions of people of all ages.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA)
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a national non-profit organization that has been a leading voice for older adults for decades. NCOA works to improve the lives of older Americans, with a strong focus on advocacy and policy. Its efforts to combat ageism are visible in several key areas:
- Advocacy: NCOA advises policymakers and promotes legislation that protects the rights and dignity of older people. This includes supporting initiatives like the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, which seeks to codify the rights of older adults and hold governments accountable.
- Employment: The organization manages programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which helps connect older adults with job training and employment opportunities, actively challenging the stereotype that older workers are less valuable.
- Public Resources: NCOA provides a wealth of tools and resources to help older adults navigate challenges related to financial security and health, empowering them and demonstrating that aging can be a period of continued independence and purpose.
AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons)
AARP is one of the most recognizable advocacy organizations for older adults in the United States and is a major force in fighting ageism. While known for its member benefits, AARP’s advocacy and educational initiatives are critical to its anti-ageism efforts:
- Workplace Advocacy: AARP actively works to eliminate age discrimination in the workplace, offering resources on how to fight back against bias and supporting age discrimination lawsuits through its Foundation. It provides guides and tips for employees to document ageist behavior and for employers to create more inclusive workplaces.
- Media and Marketing: The organization has also been instrumental in pushing for more realistic and positive portrayals of aging in media and marketing, challenging decades of harmful and stereotypical depictions.
- Policy and Legal Action: AARP uses its considerable influence to lobby for stronger laws protecting older workers and to combat structural ageism in medicine, education, and other sectors.
American Society on Aging (ASA)
The American Society on Aging (ASA) is a professional membership organization for individuals and organizations working with and for older adults. ASA focuses on providing education, training, and resources to improve the quality of life for older people. Its Ageism & Culture Advisory Council is specifically dedicated to awareness initiatives and creating tools to combat ageism within communities. ASA also promotes Ageism Awareness Day, a yearly event designed to bring attention to the issue and mobilize action.
HelpAge International
On a global scale, HelpAge International is a key organization fighting for the human rights of older people, especially those in poverty. Its advocacy efforts include mobilizing older people to fight for their rights, promoting legislation that protects them, and campaigning against elder abuse and neglect. HelpAge International advocates at the United Nations to push for stronger protections for older adults worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization has taken a global stance against ageism, naming 2021–2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing. This collaborative effort brings together governments, civil society, and other leaders to foster longer and healthier lives and combat ageism. The WHO has released a Global Report on Ageism, which outlines evidence-based strategies to measure, understand, and combat ageism across all sectors, from healthcare to the workplace.
A Comparison of Leading Anti-Ageism Organizations
| Feature | National Center to Reframe Aging | National Council on Aging (NCOA) | AARP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Changing public narrative and perceptions of aging | Public policy, advocacy, and direct support for older adults | Member advocacy, legal aid, and workplace protections |
| Key Activities | Communication guides, media toolkits, public outreach | Policy advisement, employment programs, resource provision | Legal support, legislative lobbying, media influence |
| Target Audience | Broad public, media, organizations | Older adults, families, policymakers | Older adults (50+), policymakers, employers |
| Reach | National (U.S.) | National (U.S.) | National (U.S.) |
How to Get Involved and Make a Difference
Combating ageism is not just the work of large organizations; it requires a collective effort at every level of society. Here are steps individuals can take:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about ageism and its effects. Challenge your own biases and assumptions about age, recognizing that they can be subconscious. The FrameWorks Institute, which worked with the National Center to Reframe Aging, offers excellent resources on framing the issue correctly.
- Use Age-Inclusive Language: Be mindful of the words you use. Avoid terms like “the elderly,” “boomer remover,” or other phrases that stereotype or demean older people. Instead, use neutral and respectful language like “older adults” or “people aged 65 and older”.
- Promote Intergenerational Connections: Combat age segregation by seeking out activities and opportunities to interact with people of different ages. This can help dismantle negative stereotypes and foster understanding across generations.
- Advocate in the Workplace: If you see age discrimination in your office, speak up. Encourage your company to include age in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and to eliminate age-biased language from job descriptions.
- Critique Media Portrayals: Actively seek out and support media that features realistic and positive depictions of aging. Call out ageist jokes or stereotypes when you encounter them in movies, TV, or online content.
The Role of Awareness and Changing Perceptions
Ultimately, the most powerful tool in the fight against ageism is a shift in public consciousness. Organizations like the National Center to Reframe Aging are built on the premise that changing the narrative will lead to systemic change. When we see aging not as a period of decline but as a part of a full, dynamic life, we are less likely to accept discriminatory practices in healthcare, employment, and daily interactions. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights that positive beliefs about aging are linked to better health outcomes, including longer lifespan.
The work of these organizations, from grassroots education to high-level policy advocacy, is essential for challenging the deeply ingrained biases that affect people of all ages. By supporting their work and adopting anti-ageism practices in our own lives, we can help build a more inclusive and respectful world for everyone.
Visit the World Health Organization's website for resources on the Decade of Healthy Ageing
Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Approach to Ending Ageism
The battle against ageism is being fought on many fronts, with a diverse array of organizations leading the charge. From national advocacy groups like AARP and NCOA to global initiatives driven by the WHO, the collective effort aims to dismantle stereotypes, protect rights, and improve the lives of older adults. The work involves not only legislative and policy changes but also a fundamental reevaluation of our personal and societal attitudes toward aging. By supporting these organizations and embracing age-positive practices, individuals can contribute to a future where age is no longer a barrier to dignity, respect, and opportunity.
