“She is just so cute!” “He’s over 70 now; he really shouldn’t be driving anymore.” “Sounds like they were having a ‘senior moment’ again.”
These are just a few common remarks about the senior community. While some may believe they’re being helpful, such comments can be harmful. It can also be construed as ageism, which is prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of any person’s age.
“Ageism feels like it’s the last accepted ‘-ism,’” JCC Director of Senior Adult Services Susan Bradley-Meyer said. “People feel like it’s okay to still make demeaning comments to seniors because they feel justified in it, and no one will question them for those comments. But we should question them; we shouldn’t allow ageism to continue.”
Bradley-Meyer’s goal is to create a welcoming environment for seniors, emphasizing that they can live vibrantly and hold intrinsic value at any age. At the JCC, the 60 & Better Center offers a wide range of activities and events for seniors to attend. Throughout the year, members embark on day trips across Cincinnati—and even further outside the city, including an exciting new overnight trip in French Lick, Indiana.
Seniors can enjoy daily lunches with friends, engage in games of chess or Mah-Jongg, and participate in fitness classes like Tai Chi, Core Strength, and even Belly Dancing.
“People have this image that we have seniors sitting in rockers playing bingo all day, but we have so many activities going on at the J—from physically active to mentally engaging,” Bradley-Meyer said.
The 60 & Better Center aims to inspire seniors to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t. It’s essential to provide them with opportunities to continue thriving.
“Ageism is something that affects all of us. We’re all going to age,” Bradley-Meyer said. “If we’re lucky.”
Ageism Awareness Day is October 9, 2024. Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age. Together, we can spread the word about ageism and break down stereotypes for everyone.
