Ageism Stops With You: Building a More Inclusive City for Every Generation

eeaton116
15 hours ago
3 min read

Ageism is something many of us face more than once in our lifetimes—first when we’re young and told we’re “too inexperienced,” and later when we’re older and assumed to be “less capable.” It’s discrimination based solely on age, and it shows up in subtle ways every day: in stereotypes, in exclusion, and in rules or behaviors that limit people simply because of how old they are.

What makes ageism especially harmful is that it can affect anyone, at any stage of life. It is often called the last socially accepted “ism,” and part of our mission at Fort Greene Council is to make sure we’re raising awareness, challenging those assumptions, and advocating for dignity and respect for older adults across Brooklyn.

Introducing the “Ageism Stops With You” Campaign

NYC Aging has launched a powerful new intergenerational media campaign—Ageism Stops With You—featuring print and video messaging across the city. The goal is simple but urgent: to spark conversations between younger and older New Yorkers and remind everyone that age discrimination impacts us all.

By naming it, calling it out, and refusing to participate in ageist thinking, we can build a city where people of every age feel valued, included, and respected.

Education: The First Step in an Intergenerational Movement

One of the most exciting parts of this work is happening in classrooms. NYC Aging developed the Anti-Ageism High School Resource Guide—a tool designed to help young people understand ageism, reflect on how it affects society, and become advocates for change.

The guide was piloted in 13 high school classrooms across South Brooklyn, where students discussed stereotypes, explored age-related biases, and learned how different generations can support each other. The work has been so impactful that in 2025, the guide earned a Programs of Merit distinction from Generations United.

To expand this initiative, NYC Aging, the NYC Department of Education, and the New York Academy of Medicine were awarded nearly $400,000 from Next50. This funding will help bring the guide to more schools and grade levels, ensuring that the next generation of leaders understands how to recognize and combat ageism in their own communities.

Intergenerational Storytelling: Building Community Through NY Stories

NYC Aging also continues to build intergenerational connections across the city through the NY Stories initiative, a collaborative program rooted in storytelling, leadership, and community building.

This program brings together 100 participants across 13 co-located sites in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments—pairing older adult centers with DYCD Cornerstone youth programs. Through shared stories and guided group sessions, participants break down stereotypes and build genuine relationships across generations.

The program culminates in a community celebration where participants share presentations, reflections, and creative expressions of what they’ve learned. In 2025, this initiative also received a Programs of Merit designation from Generations United, recognizing NYC Aging’s leadership in promoting intergenerational unity.

Age-Inclusive Workplaces: Preventing Bias on the Job

Ageism doesn’t stop at the classroom or the community—it often shows up in the workplace. To help businesses create more inclusive environments, NYC Aging has developed an Employer Toolkit designed to reduce age-based bias in hiring and promotion.

The toolkit provides guidance on:

Identifying unintentional age biases
Asking fair, appropriate interview questions
Writing job descriptions that don’t exclude qualified candidates
Building equitable promotion and evaluation processes

Employers interested in learning more or connecting with the Older Adult Workforce Program can call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

At Fort Greene Council, we believe every generation has something powerful to offer—and that age should never be a barrier to opportunity, community, or respect. Ageism stops with all of us. By educating young people, building intergenerational programs, and advocating for inclusive workplaces, we move closer to a New York City where everyone—at every age—is honored and valued.