Words Matter: Telling a New Story About Aging
Reframing Aging to Create Stronger Connections and Communities
The words we use to talk about aging and older people matter. Too often, everyday phrases and assumptions unintentionally reinforce ageist stereotypes. And the consequences are wide ranging.
Ageism—the way we think, feel and act toward others and ourselves based on age—
contributes to social isolation, workforce discrimination and even reduced life expectancy. It shows up in community settings and health care environments. In fact, research shows ageism harms the health of older people in 45 countries.
By reframing the way we talk about aging, we can counter the harmful narratives, reduce implicit bias and change attitudes about aging and older people. This session draws on FrameWorks Institute’s Reframing Aging research and other resources.
After the workshop, attendees will be able to:
• Understand how implicit bias shapes attitudes and actions
• Define ageism and provide examples of how it shows up in everyday interactions
• Describe framing and identify key reframing aging principles
• Integrate reframing principles to activate productive thinking about aging and older people
• Recognize elderspeak and explain its consequences; access tools to eliminate elderspeak
Aging service providers who adopt the reframing aging recommendations will be well equipped to support residents, advocate for essential resources and build thriving age-friendly communities.
Who should attend?
• Professionals focused on meeting the needs of older people
• Leaders and staff of aging service providers
• Human resources teams
• Home health managers and administrators
• Communications, marketing, sales and development teams
Alrie McNiff Daniels will motivate and inspire us to change the way we think and talk about
aging and older adults. She combines deep expertise in strategic communications, public health
and the nonprofit sector with a decade of experience collaborating with aging services
professionals. Alrie’s sessions are grounded in the FrameWorks Institute’s nationally recognized
Reframing Aging research and customized to reflect the goals and needs of each organization.
She creates a welcoming, insightful learning space that encourages honest reflection and
equips participants with resources and tools they can put into practice immediately.
For More Information:
