The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
THE GOLDEN YEARS
Society must stop ageism, return to belief that aging is natural part of life
MIDDLETOWN >> Age bias hurts everyone, not just older Americans, and a winter forum to “Stop Ageism” is set on building awareness, breaking down stereotypes and challenging attitudes about aging.
With millions of Baby Boomers turning an average of 62 each year, ageism issues are as relevant as ever, especially in a tight economy that finds many older Americans reliant on an extended work life just to make ends meet.
The program, led by Eric Rodko, executive director of St. Luke’s Community Services, with assistance from masters of social work graduate interns, Laura Comen and Kayla Shay of the University of St. Joseph, is offered through the Middlesex County Gatekeeper Program.
All seniors deserve purpose and productivity in their lives, according to Bev Kidder, direc-
tor of the Aging Resource Center at the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut. “Our ultimate goal is to bring back the belief that aging is a natural part of life and not a problem to be solved,” Kidder said.
“The focus is finding ways to enrich senior lives, not just lengthen them.”
Ageism — discrimination on the basis of age — is a diversity issue that many are now beginning to understand, according to Kidder. “When you look at the literature, the vast majority of people over 60 are still employed,” she said. “They can’t afford to retire. (Retirement is) a mythical vision.” Ageism is often an overlooked barrier that exists across most communities, putting unfair limitations on older adults’ ability to live life to the fullest potential, which devalues them as individuals, according to www.stopageismnow.org.
Raising local awareness of ageism last year was successful in the New Haven area, according to Kidder. Now in its second phase, the group wants to join with partners to amplify the message for all age groups, she said.
By year three, the agency’s focus will turn to policy makers and possibilities for changing how seniors are protected under the law.
“We are living in a youthoriented culture; there are no defined roles for older people,” said Kidder. Other cultures may offer seniors roles of social value that people “grow into” as they age, but not in America, she explained.
“In our society, you retire to some city to spend your kids’ inheritance or people have an image of some pitiful, sickly old lady,” Kidder said.
Work has been the “centerpiece” of Kidder’s life, she said. Whether paid or unpaid work, the commitment provides an ability to contribute and add purpose and meaning to life.
The “sickly old” person image is one that must be changed, Kidder added.
Health risks and the impact of ageism on longevity is significant for people and society as a whole, Kidder said. Following a presentation several years ago by Yale University psychologist Becca Levy, the agency paid closer attention to aging attitudes and its impact on the population, she explained.
Starting Jan. 18, Rodko will take a PowerPoint presentation on the road to senior centers and other members of aging networks in the region. The first sessions are Jan. 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Westbrook Senior Center, Jan. 25 from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the Haddam Senior Center and Feb. 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Middletown Senior Center.
More information and a tour schedule can be found at stlukescommunityservices.org/stop_ageism_ now.