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October 7 is National Ageism Awareness Day, which gives us an opportunity to reflect on ageism’s harmful impacts, and the actions we can all take as individuals to reframe how we talk about aging and older adults.
VNAs of Vermont member agencies provide quality, compassionate care for Vermonters across the age spectrum, from home visiting services for infants and families to hospice care, which enables individuals to spend their last weeks or months surrounded by the people they love in a setting that is familiar and comfortable for them – home.
How we think, feel, and act towards our friends, loved ones and neighbors as they age is important. Ageism can harm our health and longevity, financial well-being, and even our economy.
Studies have even found that “older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with a less positive self-perception of aging,” according to the American Society on Aging.
How we, as a state, think and talk about aging doesn’t just impact our social perspectives on older Vermonters – it also shapes policy and even how our decision makers allocate funding and resources.
As we approach the start of the 2024 legislative session, we want to encourage lawmakers and officials to ensure that they do not lose sight of the needs of Vermonters as they age.
Please join us on Ageism Awareness Day, this Saturday, to reflect on what we can do in our individual lives to end agism and reframe aging in our communities.
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