May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is “Aging Unbound.” The awareness month is dedicated to exploring diverse aging experiences and providing an opportunity to discuss how communities can fight stereotypes, change thinking around aging, and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. 

Perhaps subconsciously, our prejudices and stereotypes reflect ageism, and we internalize ageist views. It could be as innocent as sending someone an “over the hill” card for a birthday or thinking that we can’t do something because of age. It’s time to change the narrative and shift thinking to recognize that growing older brings knowledge, value, and creative energy to communities. Not only is ageism detrimental to our self-worth, but it also does a disservice to our community and is discriminatory. 

Every day, the JFS Aging Care and Connections (ACC) team works with principles of inclusion, compassion, and social justice to provide services to older adults regardless of their faith, race, national origin, gender identification, or sexual orientation. During Older American Month, we’d like to share two ways our ACC team continues the ageism conversation. 

Kavod on the Road 

Kavod Senior Life provides ongoing, engaging programs for active older adults in the greater Denver community, and JFS is proud to be a member and community partner of the organization. At this year’s  Kavod on the Road Conference, JFS Director of Aging Care and Connections Kristine Burrows is presenting on internalized and externalized ageism. 

The June 14 event at Kavod Senior Living is $18 and open to the public. Participants will hear an engaging keynote address, listen to impactful presentations, participate in break-out sessions, and learn about resources. 

“Our goal is to help everyone understand and appreciate the value of older adults in our community,” shared Burrows. “The first step in that process is defining ageism and challenge those biases.” 

Learn more at kavodseniorlife.org/kavodontheroad/ 

Senate Bill 23-058: The Job Application Fairness Act 

Workplace age discrimination is common throughout Colorado. But if Senate Bill 23-058 passes, this problem, which impacts all parts of our state, will prohibit employers from asking about a prospective employee's age, date of birth, and attendance at or date of graduation from an educational institution on an initial employment application. 

JFS added our name to the list of supporters for SB23-058 to stop employers from giving them a “back door” method to discriminate based on age. 

The Bill is making its way through the State legislature, and if passed, it will make Colorado’s workplaces fairer and create an economy that works for everyone. 

Join JFS and the conversation around ageism. Let’s value everyone in our community and help recognize the beauty and wisdom that aging brings.