Ageism has health implications for us all, D’Antonio tells ODPHP director in new vlog

In a new vlog from the U.S Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), National Center to Reframe Aging Executive Director Trish D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP, discussed the importance of highlighting older people’s contributions society, and addressing ageism and some of the misconceptions we collectively have about aging.

She joined ODPHP Director Rear Admiral Paul Reed as part of a vlog series that includes interviews with partners from across the public and private sectors to discuss work helping to advance health and well-being for all people.

“Ageism is any kind of discrimination towards older people,” D’Antonio shared. “When we think about definitions of ageism, it goes a little more deeply to think about not only the external ageism that we may experience, but our own internalized ageism. It’s a constant battle, and one that really has health implications for us all.”

The National Center was invited to participate in the vlog in recognition of National Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the positive aspects of growing older and increase national attention on the health and well-being of older people. This opportunity put a nationwide spotlight on the National Center and its evidence-based communications strategies to address ageism and implicit bias towards aging.

“Creating connections with federal partners, such as this one with the ODPHP, is a key step as the National Center continues to build the movement to reframe aging,” said D’Antonio. “I'm elated that Rear Admiral Reed invited the National Center to share about our work, recognizing that how we talk about aging is one of the components of healthy aging.”

To learn more about ODPHP’s initiatives that support healthy aging, visit health.gov.

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The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,500+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. GSA’s structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society.

The National Center to Reframe Aging is dedicated to ending ageism by advancing an equitable and complete story about aging in America. The center is the trusted source for proven communication strategies and tools to effectively frame aging issues. It is the nation’s leading organization cultivating an active community of individuals and organizations to spread awareness of implicit bias toward older people and influence policies and programs that benefit us all of us as we age. Led by The Gerontological Society of America, the National Center acts on behalf of and amplifies efforts of the ten Leaders of Aging Organizations. Support for the National Center comes from Archstone Foundation, The John A. Hartford Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging, and The SCAN Foundation.