What is
ageism?

Agism1

Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based on assumptions about age. Ageism against older people reduces our well-being, and even our lifespans. When we rely on negative stereotypes about older people, we miss out on the joy, creativity, intelligence, and many other strengths that older people contribute to our workplaces and communities.

1

Ageism is self-prejudice.

Agism2

We are all aging, and if we’re lucky, we’ll live for a long time. Thinking negatively about aging is actually prejudice against your own future self. And, when you reject negative stereotypes and view aging more positively, you actually add an average of 7.5 years to your life expectancy!

2

Aging is
trending.

Agism3

San Franciscans are living longer lives, with more opportunities to remain engaged and active. Older adults are the fastest growing age group in San Francisco—nearly 30% of residents will be age 60 or older by 2030. Their experience, insight and energy are assets for our community that we should draw on, not marginalize.

3

Aging is
diverse.

Agism4

Older adults are as diverse as our City. They include long-time residents and more recent immigrants. 54% speak a primary language other than English, 12% identify as LGBTQ, 33% live in multi-generational households, and 28% live alone. Together, older neighbors add to the diversity of cultures and experiences that are the heart of San Francisco.

4

Ageism ends with action. Please click to share your support.

I pledge to recognize the rich skills, talents, and worth of every San Franciscan, regardless of their age. Ageism is harmful to individuals, our workforce, and our communities. We must work together to change perceptions about aging in order to grow a City where we can all age, thrive, and contribute together.

Join the movement

Stay connected to the San Francisco Reframing Aging Campaign by signing up for e-mail updates below.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer your time and get to know some of our older neighbors. Make a difference while growing your connections to vibrant and interesting members of our community.

IF YOU NEED HELP

The San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services and community organizations offer a wide range of services to enable you and your loved ones to live fuller lives and to stay connected to your community.

Watch the Ageism Ted Talk

The incomparable Ashton Applewhite dispels the myths and misunderstandings surrounding aging.

ARTICLES

Relevant Image

Why Does Ageism Matter?

Ageism, or discrimination against people on the basis of their age, is a pervasive problem that most of us internalize by the time we’re in pre-school. Our culture reinforces these biases, and by...

Read the full article
Relevant Image

Bet You Didn’t Know: 7 Surprising Facts on Aging

As we work to end ageism, we must stand ready to call out thoughts and actions – our own and others' - that marginalize or devalue older people. Like every other "ism," ageism...

Read the full article
Relevant Image

What is San Francisco Doing About Ageism?

San Francisco is committed to ending ageism as part of our work to ensure that all residents can age and thrive in our City. Reframing Aging San Francisco, a partnership between the Department...

Read the full article

About Us

The San Francisco Reframing Aging Campaign is a collaborative effort to increase public awareness of ageism, disrupt negative stereotypes of aging, and connect residents with supportive resources and services. The campaign is a partnership between the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), the Community Living Campaign, the Metta Fund, and numerous community-based organizations and neighbors. Together, we are embarking on a multi-pronged approach to increase public awareness of ageism and help San Franciscans of all ages recognize implicit ageism, connect residents with valuable aging resources, and foster inter-generational connections. We hope you will join us in making San Francisco a truly age- and disability- friendly city.

Partner with Us

Join with other organizations and neighbors to help end ageism in San Francisco. Please fill out our Partnership form to get started.

PARTNERS

  • Alzheimer's Association
  • American Society on Aging
  • Andrea Baker Consulting
  • At Home With Growing Older
  • Bayview Hunters Point Senior Services
  • Catholic Charities
  • Centro Latino de San Francisco
  • Community Living Campaign
  • Curry Senior Center
  • Family Caregiver Alliance
  • Felton Institute
  • Frameworks Institute
  • Golden Gate Senior Services
  • Homebridge
  • IHSS Public Authority
  • Institute on Aging
  • IT Bookman Center
  • Kimochi
  • Lutheran Social Services
  • Meals on Wheels San Francisco
  • Metta Fund
  • On Lok
  • Openhouse
  • Roma Guy
  • San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living
  • San Francisco Department of Aging & Adult Services
  • San Francisco Human Services Agency
  • San Francisco Village
  • Self-Help for the Elderly 安老自助處
  • Senior and Disability Action
  • Sequoia Living/San Francisco Senior Centers
  • SF Neighborhood Centers Together
  • Sutter Health
  • Swords to Plowshares