San Francisco Launches Ageism Awareness Campaign

San Francisco is one of the first cities in the country to launch a campaign to raise awareness of ageism. The campaign was developed after a review of the 2016 and 2018 Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) community needs assessments and recommendations from the Age-and Disability-Friendly San Francisco Task Force. Research from the Frameworks Institute also influenced the campaign.

The California Department of Finance indicates nearly 30 percent of San Francisco residents will be age 60 or older by 2030.

When people think of our City’s reputation for innovation and vibrancy they often think of young people, but in fact older adults are the fastest growing age group in San Francisco. Their experience and energy are assets that we need to draw upon, not minimize,” said Mayor London Breed. “Negative stereotypes about older people hurt all of us, and cause us to miss out on the skills, intelligence, and other strengths that older San Franciscans contribute to our workplaces and communities.”

The San Francisco Reframing Aging Campaign was developed as a partnership of the San Francisco Human Services Agency’s Department of Aging and Adult Services, the Metta Fund, the Community Living Campaign and a network of over 30 community providers and advocates to disrupt negative stereotypes of older adults and connect residents with resources and services in the San Francisco area.

The community is encouraged to visit EndAgeism.com to learn more about ageism, read about local older adults making a difference in their community, discover volunteer opportunities and learn about available services.

You can view the campaign press release here. Visit EndAgeism.com for more information.