Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.324.1539, c (509) 994-8968

SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the American Society on Aging will celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on Oct. 7, 2023. Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.

SRHD was recently recognized by Trust for America’s Health as an Age Friendly Public Health System based on SRHD’s demonstrated ability to recognize aging as a core public health issue. Recognizing ageism and working with community partners to address its impact on people’s health is one of the ways SRHD can leverage public health practices to improve the health and well-being of older adults.

“Many people are unaware of their internal biases about age and how prevalent those biases are,” says Natalie Tauzin, who has a master’s degree in public health and is the healthy aging specialist at SRHD. “This is why SRHD and community partners are reframing how we talk about aging and promoting representation of older adults as experienced and unique individuals, enriching the lives of their families and people around them.“

Ageism is the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. It takes on many forms, affects people of any age, and harms everyone. Although it is universal, it is not always taken as seriously as other forms of inequity, even though it intersects with and exacerbates all forms of discrimination. A positive self-perception of aging has shown to be associated with a 7.5-year increase in lifespan. However, evidence shows ageism is widespread in society, from our workplaces and health systems to underrepresentation and negative stereotypes in the media.

SRHD is asking our partners and community members to join the effort to change negative views based on age. The first step we can all take is to start a conversation about ageism. This can help build awareness of this form of prejudice and how it might present itself across various settings. For those who are not sure how to start a conversation, the World Health Organization offers a helpful guide to engage family, friends, coworkers, students, and policymakers. This dialogue can encourage us all to recognize how every generation is vital to the health of our community.

Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.