Age Allies Workshop

Here at Age UK London, we're well aware that ageism is prevelant in our society. Ageism is the only prejudice where we discriminate against that which we hope to be and which we will, barring accident or illness, become. It is in our language, our expectations and our assumptions.

The recent RSPH report on ageism describes how attitudes to ageing affect our health and well-being. It describes how negative attitudes develop and offers some astonishing stats e.g. 40% of 18 - 34 yr olds believe that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing!

Society as a whole has a collective blind spot to ageist thought, which perpetuates the problem. In fact, it is only by acknowledging our own ageism that we can begin to make positive changes.

No matter what specialism your organisation has, we all know how important it is to consider each individual person you work with in all the diverse aspects of their identity and life experience. Older individuals are no exception.

The Age Allies workshop has been developed in collaboration with older people and is designed to help participants identify unconscious attitudes and assumptions about older people. It uses a series of interactive exercises and is co-facilitated by older people. You will find the workshop both challenging and fun, and it will broaden your awareness of the experience of ageing.

NB: This workshop is intended for people who work for organisations and businesses in London to help them challenge unconscious biases and beliefs around ageing. If you are an older person who would like to volunteer to help with future workshops, please email rnorman@ageuklondon.org.uk