Item 15: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260610-015: Ageism Awareness Month– October WHEREAS, the Austin Quality of Life Study for Older Adults identified experiences of discrimination among older adults in Austin1, including among Asian American2 and African American / Black older adults3; and WHEREAS, ageism can negatively impact health, employment, social participation, and quality of life for older adults and can contribute to discrimination, isolation, and inequity4; and WHEREAS, promoting positive and accurate representations of aging helps foster respect, dignity, and inclusion across generations5; and WHEREAS, older adults contribute significantly to Austin through volunteerism, caregiving, employment, leadership, advocacy, and community engagement; and WHEREAS, Ageism Awareness Month6 encourages residents, organizations, and institutions to challenge stereotypes and build a more age-inclusive community for people of all ages. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim October 2026 as “Ageism Awareness Month” in Austin and encourages public awareness, education, and intergenerational engagement efforts that challenge age-based stereotypes, reduce discrimination, and promote respect, dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for older adults throughout the community. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study 2025-CAC-University of Indianapolis.pdf - Google Drive 2 Older Adult Quality of Life Study, At-A-Glance Reports, Asian American Report 3 Older Adult Quality of Life Study, At-A-Glance Reports, African American / Black Report 4 Ageism and late-life mortality: How community matters - PMC, National Library of Medicine 5 Bridging the Gap: Uncovering the Advantages of Embracing Generational Diversity in Santa Rosa, CA – Front Porch 6 Recognized by the American Society on Aging and AARP