Attitudes Toward Aging Affect Longevity
In fact, studies show that those with negative perceptions of aging have a decreased life expectancy of 7.5 years!
Imagine that! Those people who look forward or are not afraid of aging live YEARS longer!
In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network, WIHA is taking steps to advance effective communication strategies about aging and disability across Wisconsin. By partnering with the National Center to Reframe Aging, we are promoting presentations and materials on how to effectively communicate while not portraying ageist or ableist beliefs.
View the resources below.
age·ism (n)
prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age.
Oxford Dictionary
Ageism and ableism are everywhere.
TV, advertisements, birthday cards, social media, and even our workplace and health systems.
Although ageism and ableism affect people of all ages, many common themes portray negative stereotypes against older adults and people with disabilities.
Both ageism and ableism can be external or internal.
External: Things we see in the world such as stereotypical media that portrays older adults as frail and forgetful, or people with disabilities as dependent or less capable.
Internal: Beliefs we hold within ourselves, such as forgetting something and saying “I’m getting old” or assuming that needing support means we are less valuable.
“You know you’re getting old when….”
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“At my age I need….”
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“There are 3 signs of old age…”
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“Over the hill”
Materials for professionals to use and help us in the fight against ageism.
Demonstrate Your Support for an End to Ageism:
WIHA created buttons and cards outlining the benefits of a positive attitude toward aging. These buttons have been distributed in communities throughout Wisconsin to educate the public about the very real health impacts of ageist thinking.
If you’re interested in purchasing a quantity of buttons and cards for distribution in your community, contact us. Buttons are $.40 each but must be purchased in quantities of 50 or more. Shipping costs based on location. Cards may be downloaded below. Contact info@wihealthyaging.org for more information.
Promoted Materials from the National Center for Reframing Aging:
Other Materials:
Contact info@wihealthyaging.org to join the Reframing Aging & Disability Across Wisconsin