Ageism awareness: #SeeandBeSeen

East Lindsey District Council is thrilled to participate in the inaugural national Action Day of Age Without Limits, a significant new anti-ageism initiative by the Centre for Ageing Better.

The campaign urges the entire nation to reconsider perceptions of ageing, and East Lindsey is amplifying its presence this week with East Lindsey Ageism Week (17th to 23rd March), coinciding with Ageism Action Day (20th March), facilitated by Age Without Limits.

Unlike other protected characteristics, age is universal, impacting everyone regardless of race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. Ageism is a pervasive issue affecting all individuals, necessitating collective action. This week offers an opportunity for impactful change.

This year's theme, See and Be Seen, challenges the prevalent narrow, negative, and stereotypical portrayal of older individuals and ageing in our society.

Ageing is often a concern, but it's not time itself that poses the challenge; its ageism, a prejudice dividing us from our future selves and each other. It affects each and every one of us.

Interpret the theme See and Be Seen creatively. Engage in activities such as:

• Initiating conversations about ageing and ageism, accompanied by cake.
• Organising walk-and-talk sessions to combine exercise and community dialogue.
• Establishing a community commitment wall where individuals can share pledges or stories challenging stereotypes.

As part of the Action Day, the Centre for Ageing Better will host a photo exhibition in London, alongside numerous events by other organisations nationwide.

We have a range of activities happening over East Lindsey this week including Ageless and Agile sessions in Skegness, Mablethorpe, Louth and Horncastle, NHS and Magna Vitae steady steps event, Age UK Friendship Groups and Quality of Life Network meetings.

Cllr William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing at East Lindsey District Council, highlighted how age discrimination is common in everyday interactions. He called for everyone to be more aware and take action to challenge the societal beliefs that contribute to ageism.

Cllr Gray, said: "In East Lindsey we will be launching our Age Without Limits Stories Project. This is a collaborative project which will engage with older people to gather their stories. Organisations working with East Lindsey District Council on the project include Magna Vitae, Age UK Lindsey, YMCA Lincolnshire, Active Lincolnshire, First Coastal PCN, Every One, Lincs Digital, Wellbeing Service, Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Service and Public Health. We plan to showcase these stories at an event to celebrate the International Day of Older People at the beginning of October."

For more information about Age Without Limits, visit https://bit.ly/4alrOGN