May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, invites us all to take a closer look at how we view and talk about growing older. It’s a call to challenge the tired stereotypes and outdated assumptions about what it means to grow older. Today’s older adults are living longer, learning more, leading boldly, and enriching our communities in ways that deserve recognition and respect.
It’s time to reframe the way we talk about aging and the National Center for Reframing Aging offers some practical tools and insights to help us shift the conversation.
Use inclusive language: To counter negative patterns of thinking about older people, use inclusive and bias-free language. Terms such as “older person” and “older adult” are preferred over words such as “elderly” or “senior citizen” that evoke negative stereotypes.
Highlight diversity: Older people are not all alike. We often refer to people ages 60 years and older as though they are one single group. In fact, this group of people is very diverse and includes a wide range of backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
Talk affirmatively about changing demographics: Living longer is one of the greatest accomplishments in history. Language that emphasizes the opportunities inherent in longer, healthier lives inspires support for solutions that address the challenges of longer lives.
Emphasize collective responsibility and social context: Many people believe that how someone ages is only based on personal choices, like eating well or exercising. But this view overlooks the bigger picture where things like income, access to healthcare, and lifelong opportunities also play a major role. Recognizing these factors helps us better understand and support older adults.
Talk about aging as a dynamic process that can benefit society: Talk about aging as a dynamic, evolving process that brings new opportunities for individuals and communities. Framing it this way counters negative stereotypes, inspires optimism, and energizes support for policies that benefit an aging society.
This month let’s rethink aging, not as something to fear, but as something to celebrate. Let’s flip the script, together.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
