Tackling Ageism and Ableism with Words and Action

If political predictions hold true, the nominees from our two main political parties in the 2024 presidential election will be elders – one (Joe Biden) already an octogenarian, and the other (Donald Trump) in his late 70’s. This interesting twist has led to all manner of commentary about how old is “too old” to be president of the United States, whether one of the candidates is too feeble and the other is in cognitive decline. It sometimes seems as if every slip of the tongue, every awkward moment – regular occurrences for many politicians – are ascribed to some version of geriatric fragility or senility once a candidate hits a certain age. Those of us who advocate against age-based discrimination and stereotyping have to sigh at the sad predictability (and shallowness) of a discourse that is anchored in ignorance.

In this context, the decision by SAGE , Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, to curate a special collection of articles on ageism for the American Society on Aging 's Generations journal seems particularly timely. Our essay collection analyzes ageism as a systemic bias (like racism and sexism) and explores its deep links to ableism (given that bias about age is often linked to bias about disability). The essays reflect a reality that is often overlooked: that aging, ageism and ableism affect different socio-economic groups differently. That’s why organizations like SAGE and the Diverse Elders Coalition (both of whom contribute to this special edition of Generations) exist.?

Our essay collection spotlights critically important perspectives such as how ageism and ableism marginalize LGBTQ+ older adults; how racial bias has led to health inequities for Black elders; how gender bias shows up when older women seek medical care; strategies to address the challenges facing elders in rural communities; and how aging, ageism, and ableism complicate life for long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS. The authors come from different backgrounds and experiences: academics, advocates and activists, lawyers, and architects. They remind us that structures of ageism and ableism, while systemic, are also situational and show up differently for different people and in different places. As Patricia Fraser-Morales, a Black lesbian with a disability who was interviewed for the project, explains: “I’ve been thinking about intersectionality and how I go about the world, how my gender, race, disability blend …. It depends on where I am.”

One key thing to note is that these fascinating essays aren’t meant to be thought pieces whose impact resides only in theoretical discussions or academia. Instead, the journal issue seeks to mobilize thinking that results in action and real-world change. We intend to build understanding of the intersecting structures of ageism and ableism, and springboard from that understanding to concrete action steps. To build that momentum and catalyze action, our essays describe how to create an anti-ageist advocacy agenda on behalf of LGBTQ+ older adults and diverse elder communities more broadly; how to combat ageism and ableism through private sector diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; how to use the courts and advocacy to changes laws and policies; how to design community spaces that break down ageist dynamics among isolated elders, and much more.? ??

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We hope and believe that this collection of essays will become an indispensable guide to professionals in the aging sector, aging advocates, and activists who want to dismantle the systems of ageism and ableism that make healthy aging difficult for far too many older Americans, especially those from diverse elder communities. For the many of us who are committed to building a better aging future, sharp analysis isn’t enough, but sharp analysis that supports change in policies and practices that impact older adults can make a great difference.? That’s what we aspire to achieve with this essay collection – that it be deployed to help dismantle ageism and ableism so that older adults can age with dignity and support. ??

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As the shallow ageist commentary about our two leading presidential candidates reminds us, failure to confront these systems of bias relegates all older Americans to assumptions that we have nothing to offer just because of our age. While it may make for juicy political headlines, it doesn’t make for a better world, one that celebrates and supports the many contributions of older people and treats our elders with the respect they deserve. With this collection of insightful essays, we take one more step to building that world.