Column by Janine Vanderburg, JD
As older adults in Colorado, we are happy to be agile and healthy even during these trying times. We all want to spread the message and the attitude of positive aging and challenge “everyday ageism.” That’s the reason the anti-ageism group Changing the Narrative decided to produce age-positive birthday cards, designed by Colorado artists, that reflect the joys of growing older.
A call for submissions attracted over 60 artists and resulted in 23 winning birthday card designs to be part of a collection of age positive cards. The diverse group of artists and their designs share an understanding that age is something to celebrate. Changing the Narrative challenges the notions perpetuated in many birthday cards that with each year, older adults become weak, forgetful and burdensome. In an effort to be humorous, some cards mock us. But ageism isn’t funny: it’s harmful.
On a daily basis, 82% of older adults report experiencing ageism and this may be detrimental to our health: older adults who reported experiencing three or more forms of everyday ageism had worse physical and mental health than others.
The fact is, we are living longer and healthier lives; we are often curious, active, and engaged. Doctors and nurses come out of retirement to help with medical personnel shortages, families rely on grandparents to take care of grandchildren, older volunteers provide crucial community services. And of course, many of us continue to work.
Older age has its own unique benefits. Now, cards that actually celebrate the one thing that all of us have in common—getting older—are available.
For more information on how to challenge ageism and support local artists by purchasing age-positive birthday cards, visit our anti-ageism birthday card campaign at Changing the Narrative Website. You can contact me, Janine Vanderburg, Director of Changing the Narrative, at our website.