LiveOn NY Spotlights Reframing Aging Initiative
The LiveOn NY Annual Conference on Aging and Vendor Show turned a welcome spotlight on the work of the Reframing Aging Initiative in January, with a lively panel discussion featuring James C. Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), Chief Executive Officer of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), and three members of the Reframing Aging Initiative.
Joining Appleby on the panel, which was moderated by Brianna Paden-Williams, Communications and Policy Associate at LiveOn NY, were:
For 30 years, LiveOn NY — which works to make New York a great place to age through targeted advocacy, data-driven policy, direct assistance & innovative programs — has convened more than 400 aging services professionals in New York at its one-day Annual Conference on Aging. But like almost every other event during the COVID-19 global pandemic, this year’s conference was held virtually over the course of five days.
On Jan. 26, 2021, the panel on Reframing Aging discussed why reframing matters, highlighted some of the Reframing Aging Initiative’s successes, and explored how to get others involved in the work.
“Reframing Aging is a process of being intentional about how we talk about aging, so that our messages resonate with audiences in a way that, ultimately, leads to increased support for aging-related policies,” Appleby said. “Reframing aging is not spin. It is not ‘Happy Talk’ or hyperbole. Reframing Aging is all about stating the reality of aging so that the listener understands the specific aging-related issue we’re talking about in a way that is truthful and compelling and that inspires action.”
Appleby advised those interested in joining the work of changing the way we talk about aging to use the resources on the Reframing Aging Initiative website.
“The key is to just start,” he said. “Don’t worry about getting every communication perfect, just start. Over time it gets easier and eventually becomes second nature. Just start.”