The declaration of Ageism Awareness Week is part of a broader initiative aligned with the California Master Plan for Aging, which seeks to promote equity and inclusion. The bill brings attention to the detrimental effects of ageism on both mental and physical health and underscores the need for change in societal attitudes towards aging. By raising awareness, the bill seeks to diminish the stigma associated with aging and educate the public on the importance of fostering supportive environments for older individuals.
SCR 46, introduced by Senator Nguyen, designates May 1 to May 7, 2023, as Ageism Awareness Week in California. This resolution aims to address and combat ageism, a form of discrimination that disproportionately affects older adults and intersects with other types of discrimination, such as racism and sexism. The bill highlights significant data regarding the prevalence of age discrimination in various facets of life including employment and health, emphasizing the alarming rate at which older individuals report experiencing everyday ageism.
This resolution is significant as it acknowledges the systemic nature of ageism and its economic consequences, with a report indicating that age discrimination costs the economy an estimated $850 billion. While the bill does not include enforceable regulations, its passage paves the way for community discussions and educational campaigns aimed at reducing age biases in workplaces and social settings. The political landscape is generally supportive, although some may question the effective measures that will follow this symbolic declaration to ensure long-term change.