Addressing Ageism
My first story on addressing ageism was written in May, 2023, and published in a local paper for older Manitobans called Senior Scope. It has been just over 2 years since I wrote the first article, and I see that a lot has not changed. I still see TV commercials for products and services that both older and younger people use (grocery stores, coffee, retail) , yet I only see younger people featured. I have written to some of these companies, and I get the “we’ll pass your concerns along” with no further action taken. Older people must not be invisible – we need to speak up and speak out in a respectful way. Change takes time,
There have been some positive things. One is a monthly radio show put on by the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities and Active Ageing in Manitoba . – the radio station that broadcasts it is a not for profit, community based one. The panel talk about anything from social isolation to health care issues. They took the summer off, and will be back on the air on September 24th. I look forward to hearing what they have to offer. Manitoba will hopefully have its first Seniors Advocate in place by November 1st. (only 4 other provinces have one).
Thank you for allowing me to share – I think it’s important to bring awareness to the issue of ageism.