Ageism Awareness Day, set for October 9, 2024, aims to clear up misconceptions about aging and combat the pervasive issue of ageism in society. Launched by the American Society on Aging in 2023, this initiative highlights the negative impacts of ageism on health, financial security, and the economy [b4de008f]. Research indicates that older adults are often excluded from clinical research, leading to inadequate care, with an estimated annual cost of ageism in healthcare reaching $63 billion [b4de008f]. Furthermore, a staggering 80% of workers aged 55 and older report experiencing age discrimination, which has significant economic repercussions, costing the workforce an estimated $850 billion in 2018 [b4de008f].
In conjunction with these awareness efforts, Australia's new Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM, has begun his tenure with a focus on eliminating ageism and age discrimination in Australian workplaces and health sectors [16672dd8]. Fitzgerald's priorities include improving protections against the abuse of older persons and harmonizing anti-discrimination laws to empower older individuals. His extensive background in aging and disability positions him well to address the intersecting needs of the ageing population, including issues related to race, disability, and sex [16672dd8].
The portrayal of older adults in media also contributes to ageism, with only 1.5% of TV characters being older adults, often depicted negatively [b4de008f]. However, there are signs of progress, such as the AP Stylebook recommending the use of 'older adults' terminology and initiatives like the Disrupt Aging Collection and fellowships from the Gerontological Society of America and Columbia University aimed at combating ageism [b4de008f]. Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their biases and take action against ageism, fostering a more inclusive society for all ages.
As Ageism Awareness Day approaches, the combined efforts of advocates like Fitzgerald and organizations like the American Society on Aging underscore a growing recognition of the need to address ageism and promote the rights and dignity of older individuals in both Australia and the United States [b4de008f][16672dd8].