Recommendation 20251210-008: Older Adult Icon on City Demographer Website — original pdf
Recommendation
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20251210-008: Older Adult Icon on City Demographer Website WHEREAS, the City of Austin has formally committed to becoming an Age-Friendly City through its adoption and continued implementation of the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan (AFAP), which emphasizes creating a community where older adults are respected, included, and supported across all domains of livability 1; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council has issued multiple proclamations recognizing Ageism Awareness Day in recent years 2, affirming the City’s commitment to combating ageism and challenging harmful stereotypes associated with aging; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s broader Equity and Inclusion goals call for policies, practices, and public communications that avoid stereotypes and promote fair, inclusive, and accurate representation of all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographic Website currently uses a human figure with a cane as the icon to represent the population “65 and over” 3; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Aging finds that this imagery, while likely unintentional, reinforces outdated and harmful stereotypes that equate aging solely with frailty, infirmity, and physical decline; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population is diverse, active, and engaged, including workers, caregivers, volunteers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who contribute significantly to the social, cultural, and economic life of the City 4; and WHEREAS, the current icon does not reflect this diversity of experience nor align with the City’s age- friendly, equity-focused, and anti-ageism values; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Commission on Aging formally recommends that the Austin City Council direct the appropriate City department(s) to: 1 https://www.idealist.org/en/government/84fca403523549ec9583c36ee83361f5-austin-public-healths-age-friendly-austin- austin?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=459764, https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/273298?ts=1436. 3 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/#profiles. 4 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=434253&utm_source=chatgpt.com, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=453915&utm_source=chatgpt.com. Page 1 of 2 • Replace the existing “65 and over” icon on the City of Austin Demographic Website with a neutral, inclusive, non-stereotypical image that does not imply physical limitation or infirmity; and • Ensure that the replacement icon aligns with the City’s Age-Friendly Austin principles, Equity and Inclusion goals, and anti-ageism commitments; and • Include the Commission on Aging and older adult stakeholders in reviewing and selecting the replacement icon; and • Establish internal guidance or standards for how older adults are visually represented across City web platforms, publications, and data tools to prevent future age-based stereotyping. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging affirms that this recommended change is a low- cost, high-impact action that meaningfully advances the City’s public commitment to respect, representation, and dignity for older residents and strengthens Austin’s identity as an age- friendly city. Date of Approval: December 10, 2025 Motioned by: Vice Chair Ferguson Seconded by: Commissioner Tyree Record of the vote: 10-0 For: Chair Bondi, Vice Chair Ferguson, Commissioners Anderson, Fred Lugo, Gloria Lugo, Nudelman, Tran, Tyree, Van de Putte, Yee Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: Commissioner Kareithi Absent: Commissioners Adams, Scott Attest: Page 2 of 2 (Commission on Aging Staff Liaison)