I’m in a new york state of mind

By: Peter Kaldes, President and CEO, Next50

“You are a burden on society. You are a drain on the earth. You are a blight on the landscape. You are a stain on the universe. Please die. Please.”

When a student asked Google’s AI for insights on aging, the above shocking reply – violent and ageist – highlighted the biases deeply ingrained in our society. Yet after spending time in New York City (NYC) recently, I see promising initiatives challenging these prejudices head-on.

From City Hall to Harlem, NYC is at the epicenter of fighting ageism and showing how we all have value as we age. Thanks to a new grant from Next50, the New York City Department of Aging, in collaboration with New York Public Schools, will be launching a new curriculum to integrate anti-ageism into lesson plans. Another Next50 grantee, Ladies of Hope Ministries, will be working with formerly incarcerated older women to re-enter the workforce with modern digital skills retraining.

Broadway is also in on the aging action. The current musical Sunset Boulevard, about a former star’s mental health struggles thanks to ageism in Hollywood, and the play Left on Tenth, about finding love in your seventies, uniquely demonstrate that Broadway is beginning to understand that theatergoers value age-specific storylines.

Over 200 of these diverse New York voices battling ageism recently convened in Hearst Tower to attend the ROAR Summit, an event led by ROAR’s founder, Michael Clinton. In addition to hearing from 1843’s Tracy Chadwell, MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski, CBS’s Gayle King, and actor Julianna Margulies about their empowering experiences, I conducted an interactive brainstorming session with attendees on what we need to do to end ageism. Here are the top 5 things we heard in the room:

1. Rethink Cultural Norms

In countries like Japan, aging is celebrated, but in America, our culture is youth obsessed. To disrupt the narrative, we must challenge visual imagery norms in advertising and media. This involves portraying diverse age groups and redefining societal perceptions of beauty to include all ages. Shutterstock and the American Society on Aging have created age inclusive imagery for all to use.

2. Harness Technology to Empower All Generations

Technology presents a unique opportunity to bridge generations and address inequities. As millennials and Gen Xers get older, there’s a risk of them being left behind by rapid digital advancements. Some suggested creating AI copilots—personalized lifelong tools to help people adapt to digital transformations and continue learning. Others proposed using AI and tech wearables to optimize the aging journey, helping individuals take control of their health and increase person-centered care.

3. Revolutionize Workplaces and Policies

Ageism in the workplace stifles innovation and fosters resentment; however, creating multigenerational teams and communities enhances creativity and inclusivity.  Some recommended ending mandatory retirement ages and combating AI bias that screens out older job candidates and instead utilizing AI to better match older candidates’ transferable skills to open job roles. Other ideas included ensuring urban planning integrates age diversity and fosters environments where all generations coexist and thrive.

4. Educate and Communicate Across Ages

Education can and should span all ages, challenging the notion that learning is reserved for the young. Intergenerational classrooms create rich, diverse learning environments, benefiting students of all ages. Additionally, mentorship programs—ranging from college students to children—can dismantle stereotypes and provide mutual growth opportunities. An educational database connecting people across age groups could promote collaboration, share best practices, and foster mutual understanding.

5. Engage in Representative Storytelling

Stories have the power to break down biases. A storytelling platform showcasing the lives of older adults—from marathons to morning rituals—could shift perceptions of aging. Sharing intimate details of life post-50 demonstrates that life doesn’t end; it evolves. For example, older first-time filmmakers bring fresh perspectives. Shifting the portrayal of aging in media and arts challenges the stereotypes perpetuated by youth-centric narratives.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like in a society that truly values aging? The fight against ageism is about more than inclusion – it’s about recognizing the richness of every stage of life. NYC’s initiatives are just the beginning. Imagine a world where age isn’t a drain, a blight or a stain – as AI would have you believe – but a badge of honor. Let’s work together to make that vision a reality. #valueaging