Media Contact: 
Kathie Sizemore: (216) 441-8813; kathleen.sizemore@jfs.ohio.gov 
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us

State Aging Expert to Lead Discussion on Ageism and Positive Approach to Aging

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – The way the topic of aging is addressed in Cuyahoga County will get a refresh, as the Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services hosts a public discussion on reframing aging in November.

The workshop, entitled “Reframing Aging: A Social Change Endeavor Designed to Improve the Public’s Understanding of Aging,” will take place virtually November 18 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The national Reframing Aging initiative was developed by the Washington, D.C.-based Frameworks Institute. The workshop will be facilitated by state aging expert Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Policy Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, who is part of a national group of facilitators trained by the Institute.

“Research found that the public’s perception of aging is decidedly negative and antithetical to how most older people feel and what experts in the field know to be true,” said Kowalczyk. “The national ‘Reframing Aging Initiative’ is a long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. The goal is to counter ageism through supportive policies, programs and community dialogue.”

Since April 2019, the initiative has trained more than 100 facilitators on the research and fundamentals of reframing aging so they can play a key role in teaching others and changing the narrative. It has also been successful in getting three major style guides used by thousands of scholars, researchers, communications professionals, journalists, students, and others to adopt bias-free language and incorporate the principles of reframing aging.

“We’re looking to counter ageism by changing how we talk about aging on a county-wide level,” said Tracey N. Mason, administrator for the County’s Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS). “This workshop will help attendees define ageism, learn the public’s understanding of aging, develop positive ways to discuss aging, and access new research and resources. We’re looking forward to starting 2022 with a new community narrative around aging.”

The “Reframing Aging” discussion will take place virtually November 18, from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. To register for the workshop, click here. For more information on DSAS, or any of DSAS’ programs, contact 216-420-6700 or visit dsas.cuyahogacounty.us. For more information on the ‘Reframing Aging’ initiative, visit ReframingAging.org.