Symposium to Address Ageism

2023

EIGHTH ANNUAL

The theme for the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging’s 8th annual symposium – slated for October 6 at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in the Columbus, Ohio suburb of Lewis Center – is:

DISMANTLING AGEISM: How Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination Based on Age Affect Us All

The symposium is one of many ways that the Parker Center seeks to transform how society thinks about aging through engagement, education and advocacy. It strives to confront and eliminate ageism in our culture and serves as a resource on aging to community partners, public and private organizations, media and anyone interested in aging.

“Ageism is the last form of discrimination that’s accepted by society,” said Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, who serves as United Church Homes’ (UCH) vice president of engagement and executive director of the Parker Center.

“Engaging in ageism is discriminating against our future selves, but unless you’ve been on the receiving end, you’re likely somewhat unaware of it. Despite the fact that Baby Boomers continue to live and thrive much longer than previous generations, their needs are generally not perceived as top public policy issues.”

Hosting an annual symposium is one of many ways in which the Parker Center strives to increase awareness of ageism and its negative impact on seniors and society.

“It’s not about your age, it’s about your experiences,” Rev. LongHiggins said. “The problem isn’t limited to American culture – it’s global. The symposium serves to increase awareness of ageism and to empower attendees to respond when they encounter it.”

The 2023 symposium is expected to draw about 150 in-person, and 50 to 100 virtual, participants. In addition to UCH staff, attendees will include individuals from faith-based and secular organizations, researchers and students studying aging and older adults.

The keynote speaker for the 2023 event is Dr. Tracey Gendron who serves as chair for the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Gerontology and director for the Virginia Center on Aging. She is also author of the book, Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It.

With more than 25 years of experience as a grant-funded researcher and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Gendron is dedicated to raising awareness and ending ageism through education. She has a master’s degree in gerontology and psychology, and a Ph.D. in developmental psychology.

Dr. Gendron has dedicated her career to changing the landscape by developing an age-inclusive climate that facilitates growth and engagement in elderhood. Her personal and professional goal is to raise awareness of elderhood as the solution to the deeply embedded ageism pervasive within all cultures, settings and individuals.

“Ageism is found in so many contexts – workplace, healthcare, media and community settings,” said Kim Moeller, the Parker Center’s program and special events coordinator.

“Aging doesn’t have to be viewed as a decline,” she continued. “Understanding a problem is essential to addressing it. We want to build awareness and empower people to do something about ageism. The symposium serves as a forum for both.”

The Parker Center’s annual symposium occurs in October – the month in which the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons and U.S. Ageism Awareness Day occur each year.

FRIDAY, EIGHTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

Nationwide

Conference

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