International Olders Day

International Olders Day kicks off with a superb anti-ageism campaign

This post originally appeared https://thischairrocks.com, the blog of Ashton Applewhite. It is reproduced with permission.

In October, 2016, I had the honor of addressing the United Nations on the International Day of Older Persons. My keynote was titled End Ageism – Or the Rest Is Noise. Two years later, it’s thrilling to announce the launch of #AgingEqual, a superbly orchestrated anti-ageism campaign created by AGE Platform Europe.

For 70 days, culminating on the 70th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, the campaign will be teaching people how to recognize ageism, how serious it is, and how important it is to stand up for your rights—no matter what age you are. In their words: “Ending discrimination requires collective action. Unless we confront ageism now, we will all face it sooner or later. Let’s join forces to create a society for all ages!”

Rhetoric is easy. #AgeingEqual is so much more, which is why this post is crammed with links to well-written, easy-to-implement ideas and instructions. You’ll find Easy Steps To Become An Anti-Ageism Champion on the campaign’s home page: know your stuff, spread the word, and add your voice. The organizers have created a downloadable Guide for Supporters. There’s also a downloadable Social Media Guide with hashtags, logos, sample posts, and instructions on popping your twibbon cherry (temporarily altering your social media profile picture – it’s a thing). Plus Get Inspired: a section of best practices and inspiring stories from organizers and allies around the world.

Pick your starting point, and let’s get cracking.