Attention CanAge Members!
University of Alberta (Faculty of Nursing) is recruiting people aged 60 and older to serve on an advisory group for the purpose of developing strategies to diminish ageism in Canada. If you are interested in more information or in becoming a part of the advisory group, please contact Sherry Dahlke at sherry.dahlke@ualberta.ca or 780-492-8232 or Tatiana Penconek at penconek@ualberta.ca
Making fun of growing older is considered socially acceptable. However, ageist humour reinforces negative stereotypes that growing old is linked with physical and mental deterioration, dependence, and less social value. Such stereotypes and discrimination affect the wellbeing of older people every day, the largest demographic of Canadians, the majority of which live in community settings and contribute to society in many ways.
To address this deep issue affecting older Canadians, an advisory group develop strategies to create ageism awareness in Canada (and you’re invited to participate!)
Advisory group purpose:
The advisory group will discuss ageism in Canada, examine test data, and thoughtfully develop and plan short-, medium-, and long-term strategies aimed at dispelling ageism among professional groups that work with older Canadians and the Canadian public
Meeting commitment:
The advisory group will meet every other month beginning in October of 2021 for approximately 3 years via Zoom platform.
Advisory group membership:
The advisory group will comprise older Canadians and representatives from CanAge, HelpAge, the Canadian Gerontological Nurses Association and Gerontological experts. The university anticipates that smaller groups will be formed from the advisory group to work on developing the strategies to dispel negative stereotypes about aging.