University of Richmond hosts lecture on ageism with internationally renowned ageing expert and activist Bill Thomas

May 9, 2018

A recent survey of people over 60 found that nearly 80 percent of respondents reported experiencing ageism. Examples of ageism include the assumption of memory or physical impairments, being ignored or not taken seriously and being told a joke that pokes fun at older people.

“Does this matter? Yes, it does,” says Peggy Watson, director of the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning and coordinator of this event. “Ageism compromises the health and wellbeing of older adults, and it’s a topic we should all take seriously and know more about.”

Bill Thomas, a world-renowned expert on ageing, will explore the consequences of ageism as the keynote speaker for “The Four Types of Ageism: An Ageist Society Cannot Be An Age Friendly One” May 23 at 1 p.m. in the University of Richmond Modlin Center for the Arts, Alice Jepson Theatre. Thomas’ presentation will explore how to develop communities that embrace all stages of life.

“Ageism strips our communities of multigenerational engagement and reciprocity and diminishes the ability of older people to experience elderhood, the richness and meaning of life after adulthood,” says Thomas.  

This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

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This lecture is made possible for the Osher Institute by a grant from The Regirer Foundation and is part of the Osher Series on Aging Well. This event is supported by the Genworth Foundation.

Note: Statistics noted in this release are courtesy of a recent Duke University survey on aging conducted by Erdman Palmore.