Ageism, first described in the late 1960s, refers to discrimination against older individuals based on negative stereotypes and societal biases. Over the past fifty years, research has documented the widespread impact of ageism, including its direct link to health disparities. Ageism contributes to economic burdens, with costs reaching $63 billion annually for some of the most expensive health conditions. Beyond financial consequences, ageism affects how older adults are perceived, treated, and included in communities. Fortunately, research has led to interventions that can reduce ageism, including stereotype awareness, intergenerational contact, health promotion, and communication improvements.
The Reframing Aging factsheets cover three key topics: the science of aging, the impact of ageism, and effective communication strategies. These materials are available in two formats, each designed to support different learning and teaching styles. One is a straightforward informational document, designed for CE professionals to read and absorb key concepts. The other includes interactive questions alongside the reading material, encouraging reflection and discussion. These factsheets are flexible tools that CE professionals can use to educate themselves or guide others, whether in workshops, training sessions, or community outreach programs. By offering both formats, we ensure that professionals can tailor their approach to meet their needs best and engage their audiences effectively.
Printable Factsheets
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for providing the Core Elements of Reframing Aging training, which equipped Cooperative Extension (CE) professionals in the North Central Region with evidence-based strategies to improve communication on aging. We recognize the dedication of the 17 CE professionals who participated in this training, actively refining their education and outreach efforts to serve their communities better. Many of these professionals have led workshops, webinars, and other educational initiatives, fostering broader awareness and action against ageism. Special thanks to the CE professionals from Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, whose time and expertise were instrumental in creating the fact sheets featured on this webpage. Their contributions ensure that accurate, research-based information on aging is accessible to CE professionals and the communities they serve. Their commitment to enhancing education on aging helps build a society where aging well is the norm.
What is Aging? Factsheet
1. Bjorklund, B.R. & Earles, J.L. (2020). The journey of adulthood (9th ed.). Pearson.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, Nov 1). Aging: What to expect. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art20046070
3. MedlinePlus. (2023). Aging changes in organs, tissue and cells. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004012.htm
4. Strasser, H. (2017). The “art of aging” from an ergonomics viewpoint–Wisdoms on age. Occupational Ergonomics, 13(S1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.3233/OER-170250
5. Tornstam, L. (2005) Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive aging. Springer Publishing Company.
6. Erikson, E.H. & Erikson, J.M. (1997). The Life Cycle Completed. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
7. Levy, B. (2022). Breaking the age code: How your beliefs about aging determine how long & well you live. HarpersCollins Books.
8. Nakamura, J. S., Hong, J. H., Smith, J., Chopik, W. J., Chen, Y., VanderWeele, T. J., & Kim, E. S. (2022). Associations between satisfaction with aging and health and well-being outcomes among older US adults. JAMA Network Open, 5(2), e2147797-e2147797. doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.47797.
9. O’Brien, E. L., Hess, T. M., Kornadt, A. E., Rothermund, K., Fung, H., & Voss, P. (2017). Context influences on the subjective experience of aging: The impact of culture and domains of functioning. The Gerontologist, 57(suppl_2), S127-S137. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx015
Addressing Ageism Factsheet
1. Burnes, D., Sheppard, C., Henderson, C. R., Wassel, M., Cope, R., Barber, C., & Pillemer, K. (2019). Interventions to Reduce Ageism Against Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), e1–e9.
2. Butler, R.N. (1975). Why Survive? Being Old in America. New York: Harper and Row.
3. Harris, K., Krygsman, S., Waschenko, J., & Laliberte, R. (2018). Ageism and the Older Worker: A Scoping Review. The Gerontologist, 58(2), e1-e14.
4. Nelson, T. D. (2019). Reducing ageism: which interventions work?. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), 1066. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6611112/
5. Officer, A., Thiyagarajan, J., Schneiders, M., Nash, P., & de la Fuente-Nunez, V. (2020). Ageism, Healthy Life Expectancy and Population Ageing: How Are They Related? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17, 3159, 1-11. https://doi.10.3390/ijerph17093159
6. Ouchida, K., & Lachs, M. (Fall 2015). Not for Doctors Only: Ageism in Healthcare. Generations, 39(3), 46-57.
7. Taylor, C. (2022). Ageism in Advertising: Common Stereotypes and How to Avoid Them. https://www.forbes.com/sites/charlesrtaylor/2022/03/11/ageism-in-advertisingcommon-stereotypes-and-how-to-avoid-them/?sh=4d113b18178c
8. Van Vleck, M. (2021). Kids these days: Why youth-directed ageism is an issue for everyone. From: https://publichealth.wustl.edu/kids-these-days-why-youth-directedageism-is-an-issue-for-everyone.
9. World Health Organization. (2021). Global Report on Ageism. www.Who.Int. https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240016866
How to Communicate about Aging Factsheet
1. Bjorklund, B.R. & Earles, J.L. (2020). The journey of adulthood (9th ed.). Pearson.
2. Gerontological Society of America. (n.d.) Resources. The National Center to Reframe Aging. https://www.reframingaging.org/resources
3. Morrison, S. (2023). Don’t call me “old”: Avoiding ageism when writing about aging. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/blog/2023/12/dont-callme-old-avoiding-ageism-when-writing-about-aging
4. Sweetland, J., Volmert, A., & O’Neil, M. (2017). Finding the frame: An empirical approach to reframing aging and ageism. Frameworks Institute. https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/resources/finding-the-frame-an-empiricalapproach-to-reframing-aging-and-ageism/
5. Shaw, C. A., & Gordon, J. K. (2021). Understanding elderspeak: An evolutionary concept analysis. Innovation in Aging, 5(3), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab023