It wasn’t too long ago that we urged you to push back on the everyday ageism you likely encounter. But since next Wednesday, October 9th, is Ageism Awareness Day, we thought we’d briefly return to the topic to make sure you’re well-equipped to identify ageism when you encounter it and to learn strategies to address and eliminate ageism in your own life and in the broader world in which you live. The American Society on Aging has a toolkit to help raise awareness about the insidious nature of ageism and ageist stereotypes that permeate our relationships, our media, our healthcare systems, and even our politics. They’ve also put together a comprehensive fact sheet outlining the types of ageism that exist and how it harms us individually and more broadly as a society. The other major resource on all things connected to combating ageism is Old School, newly rebranded as a hub for age equity + ageism awareness. Beyond resources and information, this valuable website offers the opportunity to engage in activism, attend events, and purchase products to raise awareness about the negative effects of ageism.

As a reminder, ageism is endemic in our society. Even young children are inundated with imagery and stories of older adults who are fragile, failing, and unable to care for themselves. Whether from television shows that depict feeble and confused seniors to social media memes that suggest older adults have little understanding of modern culture, the pervasive imagery of older people unable to engage or manage their lives is hard to miss and easy to absorb. Ageist comments can leave you humiliated or frustrated (perhaps you need to develop a sense of humor to minimize the sting) and if self-directed, can lead you to limit your own activities or become fearful of being adventurous (which just further feeds the stereotypes perpetuated by ageism). We know that those who face ageism may experience shorter life spans or engage in unhealthy habits, and may experience mental health burdens including depression and even a diminishment of cognitive abilities. (Ironically, we have research to demonstrate that many if not most older adults stay mentally sharp and even gain cognitive abilities well beyond the age of 70). As one recent commentator, pushing back on aging stereotypes, remarked, “Growing old doesn’t mean growing stupid. Having issues using exotic programs on the internet doesn’t mean you’re a dummy. People over a certain age were never taught all the ins and outs of cyberland, but they still know how to think.”

So how do you combat ageism in your own life and on a broader level? Recommendations range from nurturing relationships with those younger than you (you have much to teach each other), using your own life as a messenger to defy ageist stereotypes (maybe saying yes to more activities outside your comfort zone), and flipping the script to emphasize what’s been positive about growing older (What new traits or knowledge have you acquired? What opportunities have opened up to you?). And perhaps take your cues from other older adults who are out there, loud and proud, living interesting and engaged lives that may be unexpected according to ageist stereotypes. For example, take a look at this Brief But Spectacular Video of Ximena Abogabir, a 76-year-old Chilean woman who’s determined to upend ageist attitudes about older adults by running a group called Journey to 100. Or pick up the most recent book by journalist, podcaster, and humorist Mo Rocca, author of Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs, in which he relays the stories of individuals who made their mark and triumphed in the later years of their lives. If that sounds exhilarating and motivating, watch Mo engage in conversation about the book. As these later-in-life success stories make clear, the best revenge against ageist stereotypes may just be living the life you want, regardless of your age.