Advocacy & annihilating ageism
5 Simple steps caregivers can (and should) take + Take the caregiver survey!
Hey KIRC fam - welcome to May, 2025!
I want to say THANK YOU to the KIRC tribe and for your continued support of this effort. Independent journalism thrives because of support from readers like you. My ongoing focus with KIRC is not financially supported by any organization, corporation, or backed by a newsroom with a bi-weekly paycheck - it is 100% reader supported. Please consider supporting my work by clicking on the button below and becoming a paid subscriber.
Did you know this month marks Older Americans Month (OAM)? For those of you saying, “What the heck is that?” you are likely not alone.
I can’t lie. Before my role as a family caregiver took hold of my life, I had ZERO idea or comprehension of ANY of the observations, programs, and/or resources available to help me, while I was helping my mom.
I first toppled into the caregiving world in 2009. At that time, I did not see myself as a caregiver, just a helping hand to my mother who was growing older.
Just joining KIRC? Here’s a bit of how we got here…
I’m pretty sure I wasn’t thinking that one day I would be an aging and caregiving advocate. But, well … here we are.
And, I sure as heck had never heard of the Admnistration for Community Living.
*Note: This is a government website. There is a notice on the page advising the current administration reviewing content. KIRC firmly supports diveristy and equity of people of all ages, races, abilities, faith denominations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Celebrating Older Americans Month: Flip the Script on Aging
Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," focuses on the importance of combating ageism to transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the benefits of healthy aging.
Timing on this effort could not be more appropriate, coming on the heels of one of my most recent experiences.
Last week I shared with you the humorous, albeit slightly stinging brush with ageism.
AGEISM - Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition:
Prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly.
This story was about my call, with a phone carrier representative. My life post-wildfire destruction has been in flux for many months now. One item that cropped up was the need to change cell service.
Missed that post? Not to worry, you can check it out here along with more insight regarding ageism in the workplace.
Older Job Seekers Fear Age Discrimination, Even as AI Becomes a Bigger Workplace Threat - AARP
What small things can we do to combat ageism?
Celebrate the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community.
Avoid ageist statements when talking about growing older.
Promote fact-based messages about older adults’ abilities and value to communities.
Share tips on language and activities that dispel myths about aging.
On social, use #FlipTheScriptOnAging in your posts.
Calling out Ageism: What You are Saying
In last week’s poll question regarding my ‘ageism’ interaction with the cell phone company representative I asked:
As you can see, the results were evenly split. 50% of you said, Yes, call someone out. 50% said yes, call them out but also explain why.
I’m of the mindset of option number three also. We could call someone out, but if we don’t explain WHY a choice of words, a tone, or an attitude can be condescending, then the offender may never become more aware.
KIRC = Advocacy and Working for You
I have several meetings scheduled in the coming days, with state level advocates working within the aging and caregiving sectors.
One session is focused specifically on hearing from Keeping It REAL Caregiving on what this organization/platform needs most from involvement in a state-level advisory group. In turn, we will also discuss how KIRC can be a bridge from REAL caregivers (that’s all of YOU) to those who are actively deciding on policy which impacts us.
Please take this short survey. Your feedback and answers will be included in these upcoming meetings.
Let me hear from you because this is how we work together to take steps forward.
This is the kind of work I want to continue, and that’s why your support is so appreciated!
For many, the world is feeling a bit unsettled, uncertain, and scary - watching the years roll by, getting older, and taking on the role of caregiving can do that to you. I know - I lived it. I hope you will help KIRC continue to grow and have a positive impact for all!
Until next time~
Julia
So glad to finally see you back! 🤗🥰🤗🌹