The presentation discusses the phenomenon of ageism in modern society, and the importance of confronting its manifestations. Education for seniors is identified as an essential benefit for all ages and as a fundamental tool for overcoming ageism. From this perspective, educational programs for the older generations can help them find a way to use their qualities, talents, and skills, and to find meaningful social roles. The author's view is that education can raise elderly citizens' awareness of their needs and rights, and might encourage their active participation in policy-making in all matters affecting them. - - - - - - - The paper's full text is available at https://www.slideshare.net/dunyata/overcoming-ageism-through-education-for-the-third-age-2017 If you want to download the paper: https://www.academia.edu/33452732/Overcoming_Ageism_through_education_for_the_Third_age

1. OVERCOMING AGEISM
THROUGH EDUCATION
FOR THE THIRD AGE
Georgi Stankov
National University of the Third Age
Bulgaria

2. “Young people
are just
smarter.”
Photo: Elaine Chan and Priscilla Chan

3. Stack Overflow
2015 Developer
Survey
Age distribution among programmers

4. “An old fuddy-duddy”,
who was not “cultural
fit”and whose opinions
and ideas were “too old
to matter”
Brian Reid

5. The components of Ageism
• an affective component (feelings toward
ageing and older individuals),
• a cognitive component (beliefs or• a cognitive component (beliefs or
stereotypes about older people),
• a behavioral component (behavior or
behavioral intentions toward older people).

6. Manifestations of Ageism
➔Problems with employment.
➔Mistreatment on the workplace.
➔Lack of intergenerational dialog.➔Lack of intergenerational dialog.
➔Social isolation.
➔Declined social participation.
➔Lack of educational programs for the elderly.
➔Abuse and neglect of older people.

7. How to overcome Ageism?

9. Nine principles of Active Ageing
1. Populations. The diverse population of
older adults requires diverse solutions.
2. People. Trained and committed individuals
are needed to meet the needs, capabilities,
expectations, and desires of the elderly.
6. Promotions. Older adults are a key market
to attract.
7. Places. Environments must be constructed
to enable multiple functional abilities.
8. Policies. The human rights of older adultsexpectations, and desires of the elderly.
3. Perceptions. Ageism and negative
stereotypes of aging impede an inclusive
society.
4. Potential. Population aging is creating new
economies.
5. Products. Products and services are needed
that tailor to older adult needs and
expectations.
8. Policies. The human rights of older adults
should be protected.
9. Programs. The programs for the seniors
must cover seven dimensions of wellness:
physical, social, spiritual, intellectual,
emotional, vocational and environmental
wellness.
(By the International Council of Active Ageing)

10. What education can do?
➔Raise awareness among seniors.
➔Create social networks & social capital.
➔Provide LLL.➔Provide LLL.
➔Support senior participation.
➔Develop positive self-perception.
➔Strengthen the intergenerational dialog.
➔Contribute for purposeful ageing.

11. How U3As can fight ageism?
On a strategy level:
Operating as think-tanks, which advocate forOperating as think-tanks, which advocate for
seniors’ rights and help governments and
intergovernmental organizations create
relevant policies regarding older population.

12. How U3As can fight ageism?
On a tactical level:
➔Create an empowering
environment and activities
➔Suggest practical measures
for overcoming the dailyenvironment and activities
for the elderly citizens.
➔Build a positive self-
perception among seniors.
➔Enhance the seniors’
participation.
for overcoming the daily
manifestations of ageism in
modern societies.
➔Develop “silver economy”
{specific goods and services
for the seniors}.

13. SOME
POSITIVE
OUTLOOKS
❖ ADULT PEOPLE ARE
MORE ALTRUISTIC
❖ LIFE-LONG LEARNERS
ARE MORE RESILIENT
COGNITIVELY UNTIL
VERY OLD AGEOUTLOOKS
ABOUT
AGEING
VERY OLD AGE
❖ ELDERLY PEOPLE
EXPERIENCE MORE
SATISFACTION FROM
SEX
 Scientifically proven

14. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR ATTENTION !FOR YOUR ATTENTION !
Ageistly Yours,
Georgi Stankov