Campaign to End Ageism
San Francisco Human Services Agency
The San Francisco Reframing Aging Campaign is a partnership among city agencies dedicated to serving the older adult community. This group sought a comprehensive marketing initiative to raise awareness about ageism and challenge negative stereotypes associated with aging. Through our research and engagement with individuals impacted by ageism, we recognized that, similar to any form of discrimination, ageism diminishes the self-esteem of those affected. Consequently, we aimed to highlight the humanity of our subjects by focusing on their eyes—often referred to as the "windows to the soul," which do not visibly age. The resulting images, featuring the lively eyes of older adults superimposed on the faces of younger individuals, provide a striking visual counterpoint to notions of youthful energy. A series of five advertisements was displayed in various outdoor locations throughout the city, alongside an active social media campaign. Visitors to EndAgeism.com learned that the older adults portrayed in the images are real San Francisco residents who challenge aging stereotypes and remain engaged in their communities. The website, built following ADA guidelines, also offered information and resources related to the topic, as well as a shareable personal pledge to combat ageism, which has garnered nearly four thousand shares as of January 2020. For more information, visit https://endageism.com/.