“You don’t look your age.” Most of us have heard that phrase before—maybe even said it ourselves. It’s often meant as a compliment, but it carries an assumption: that looking younger is somehow better.
That subtle message is one example of ageism—the stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination we face based on age. Ageism doesn’t just show up in offhand comments.
It creeps into jokes about “senior moments,” the impatience of a cashier when you pull out coins, or the doubt you feel in yourself when you wonder if you’re “too old” to try something new.
Take Maria, for example. At 72, she signed up for her first art class. She was excited—until a friend teased, “Isn’t that something for younger people?” That small remark made her hesitate. For a moment, Maria wondered if she really belonged. The truth is, she did belong. We all do. But that nagging voice of self-doubt? That’s ageism, too. And it doesn’t just impact older adults. It touches all of us, because we’re all aging, every day.
On October 9, Ageism Awareness Day, we shine a light on the real harm ageism causes. Research shows it affects our health, well-being, and financial security. It can shape the policies we make and limit the opportunities we create. But once we see it for what it is, we can change it.
The good news: Age inclusion is the way forward. Imagine communities where Maria—and all of us—are celebrated for curiosity, creativity, and wisdom at every stage of life. Where “too old” is never the reason someone gives up on a dream. Where different generations come together not with an “us vs. them” mentality, but as collaborators building a society that works for everyone. Because Maria’s story is our story.
The more we challenge ageism, the more we create a community where all ages are valued. This October 9, let’s tell a new story about aging—one of connection, growth, and possibility.
Find your community at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus—a welcoming place for adults of all ages to learn, connect, and thrive. Explore art classes, health workshops, lifelong learning, volunteer opportunities, and more. Click here to discover resources and experiences that celebrate the power of every age.
