The National Center to Reframe Aging — the leading organization for proven strategies to effectively frame aging issues — welcomed thought leaders, national experts, federal representatives, and local, regional, and state-based leaders to an April 10 summit for transformative conversations about the current movement to reframe aging, gain insight into real world application of communication strategies and tools, and exchange ideas for advancing an equitable and complete story about aging in America.

Nearly 1,000 in-person and virtual attendees convened at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, for Summit 2024: The Movement to Reframe Aging, the first event of its kind. In developing the program, the National Center and the Gerontological Society of America collaborated with two former U.S. assistant secretaries for aging to further the Center’s long-term social change endeavor to improve the public’s understanding of aging and the essential role that older people play in contributing to families, communities, and society.

“Reframing aging is a conversation about language and so much more. The way we speak about aging is related to the way we feel about aging, from the individual experience to the societal phenomenon,” said Kathy Greenlee, JD, who served as assistant secretary for aging from 2009 to 2016. “All too often, we characterize aging as something that happens to others. We need a new frame to admit to ourselves this is about us. Me. You. Everyone.”

Through a series of moderated panel discussions, summit participants collaborated on raising awareness of the impact of ageism and why we all need to change the conversation on aging. The expert presenters showcased real world applications of the principles to reframe aging, which are transforming communication strategies and leading to policy successes. 

Many of the speakers cultivated an appreciation for the importance of language in understanding the intersection of ageism with other points of our identities. 

“This is an incredibly exciting and timely conversation that is candidly overdue. We owe it to ourselves and the generations that follow,” said Lance Robertson, MPA, who served as assistant secretary for aging from 2017 to 2021.

Topics addressed at the summit included the widespread impact of ageism; how age-inclusive initiatives inspire change; models for reshaping discourse on aging at the local, state, and federal level, and ageism’s political footprint.

“This was the largest gathering of experts ever assembled for the purpose of eliminating implicit bias toward older people and influencing policies and programs that benefit all of us as we age,” said Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP, the executive director of the National Center and vice president of policy and professional affairs of the Gerontological Society of America. “Collectively, we have developed new insights to accelerate progress on our long-term efforts.”