A recent opinion piece in The New York Times—“Older Americans Are Hoarding America’s Potential”—highlights why reframing how we talk about aging is so critical.
Although framed as a critique of ageism, the article proposes policies such as mandatory retirement and targeted taxes on older adults—approaches that risk perpetuating outdated and harmful narratives.
The National Center to Reframe Aging responded with a strong, research-based statement that challenges these assumptions and reinforces a more accurate, equitable view of aging.
Across our network, we are actively working to shift the conversation:
Elevating the voices and contributions of older adults
Promoting age-inclusive policies and practices
Building communities where people can thrive at every stage of life
Moments like this remind us that language shapes policy—and policy shapes lives.
If you’re engaged in this work, your voice matters. Consider responding—whether through a letter, post, or conversation. Tools like the Responding to Opinion Pieces Toolkit can help guide your message.
Let’s continue advancing a more complete and respectful narrative of aging—together.
The National Center submitted this letter to The New York Times following a concerning guest essay published 4/21, titled "Older Americans Are Hoarding America’s Potential" (https://lnkd.in/eW3QTKr4).
The piece decries ageism while repeatedly advocating for ageist policies (e.g., "reinstitute mandatory retirement" and "a progressive tax on older homeowners").
You, too, can respond in cases like these by using the National Center's Responding to Opinion Pieces Toolkit (https://lnkd.in/g5rUrNGj).