What's In and Out : Ageist Storylines to Say Goodbye to in 2024

I've always been intrigued by beginning of the year "what's IN and what's OUT" lists. Whether focused on cultural trends, fashion, politics or something else, it's fascinating to see what style influencers, tastemakers and political pundits are trying to promote, and what they are discouraging.

So in that spirit, here is what I've gleaned from having my ear to the ground and eye on research (and social media conversations) in the aging, ageism and encore space.

OUT: Sowing generational conflict and writing clickbait generational bashing headlines

Aren't we all tired of the boomer vs. millennial headlines about the housing market, and the boomer and GenZ bashing in the workplace? As Sheila Callaham aptly noted in this article for Fortune :

"Almost all articles with Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, Boomer or Silent Generation in the headline are written with a significant degree of ignorance–the ageist assumption that people born within a specific time frame share the same wants, needs and behavior."

IN: Highlighting the benefits of intergenerational connection, and of multigenerational teams in the workplace

• Research from the World Health Organization 's Global Campaign to End Ageism found that intergenerational connection and education are powerful antidotes to ageism.
• 麦肯锡 's worldwide research released in April 2023 debunked many common generational stereotypes.
• And workplace research from a number of sources shows that multigenerational teams are more creative, productive and profitable.

OUT: Using the terms senior, senior citizen and elderly

In 2017, FrameWorks Institute issued groundbreaking research on reframing aging and ageism. Among their findings:

From that, reframing efforts began across the country—including Changing the Narrative, a leading anti-ageism initiative —to encourage use of older adult, older people or descriptive language, e.g., this program is for people age 60 and over, instead of language that reinforces negative stereotypes.

But we still read too many articles with senior citizen or elderly in the headlines or body. This year, we can resolve to stop.

IN: Reading your style guides (hint: older adults, older people)

Major style guides of organizations like the Associated Press (AP), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have adopted the FrameWorks recommendations to use language that avoids "othering".

Ok, journalists and other writers (blogs, social media, whatever) out there—it's time! Check your Style Guides. And if you need a quick and simple cheat sheet, check out Changing the Narrative's Guide to Age-Inclusive Communications.

OUT: Blathering on about "gerontocracy"

In 2023, it was almost like someone gave the word "gerontocracy" out to media outlets and asked them to write about it, not dissimilar to Barbie-pink becoming the color of the year. It was hard to tell whether The Atlantic or 纽约时报 was the worst offender in the onslaught of articles that followed, until The New Yorker came up with the ageist and ableist cover and accompanying story that disgusted pretty much everyone.

IN: Talking about values, policies and democracy

• In 2024, we are facing local, state and national elections. Do we really want to know candidates' ages, or where they stand on issues important to us? Let whatever media outlets you follow know.
• Need I say more?

OUT: Silver tsunami and older people are burdens

The term "silver tsunami" suggests crisis, as do similar phrases like "the grey wave" or "going off a demographic cliff." Yes, the world is aging, a function of improved science and declining birth rates. Viewing demographic change as a crisis isn't helpful, and precludes thinking about the opportunities it affords to leverage the strengths, talents and life experience of all of us as we get older.

IN: Older adults are a tremendous asset to family, community, workforce and the economy.

That's it. Whether it's caretaking, volunteering, rolling up our sleeves for important community causes, remaining in the workforce or being engaged in some other way, older adults contribute to our society. My last newsletter article talked about the importance of older workers to resolving our talent pipeline shortages. In future newsletters, I'll be talking about other forms of contribution as well. It's time to end the wringing our hands and focus on the possibility instead if we don't allow ageism to get in the way.

Which leads me to my last word...

OUT: Accepting ageism as inevitable

Ageism is simply a social construct, nothing more. We don't need to accept ageist remarks, story lines, policies and practices, in ourselves, or from others.

IN: Speaking up and out about ageism

All of us have platforms through which we can influence others: conversations with family, friends and professional colleagues; social media platforms; blogs and podcasts; groups we belong to; employer education programs; speeches and workshops. Even through on a one-on-one conversation with a healthcare provider, for example, we can counter ageist messages like "you're just feeling that way because of your age." Changing the Narrative's Speak Up Tools provide some concrete tips and suggestions for speaking up.

What about you? What's on your In and Out list for 2024?

? Janine Vanderburg, 2024.