We Changed the Way We Looked at Things, now the Things We Looked at Changed
New Programming for 60+
The Unrecognized Margins
Ageism
- Older adults frequently encounter stereotypes such as being “frail,” “out of touch,” or “a burden.”
- Workplace discrimination is common: many are pushed out or overlooked for opportunities despite experience.
- Ageist narratives often erase their contributions, treating them as “less valuable” than younger populations.
Economic Insecurity
While some older adults retire with savings, a significant portion struggle with poverty, especially women and people of color. Social Security often provides the majority of income, yet benefits are not always enough to cover housing, healthcare, and daily living expenses.
Social Isolation
Nearly one-third of older adults live alone.
Many experience loneliness due to the death of partners, family estrangement, or relocation of younger relatives.
Social isolation has been linked to higher risks of depression, dementia, and physical decline.
Healthcare and Accessibility
- The U.S. healthcare system often treats aging as a “problem” rather than supporting well-being.
- Age discrimination in healthcare can lead to misdiagnosis, undertreatment, or dismissing older patients’ concerns.
- Many older adults live in homes or neighborhoods not designed for accessibility, which creates isolation.
Intersectional Inequalities
Black, Latino, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ older adults experience compounded marginalization—racism, homophobia, and economic inequality—on top of ageism.
This intersection makes older adults of color far more likely to face poverty, housing insecurity, and healthcare disparities.
What Can Urban Sanctuary Do?
- By naming older adults as a marginalized group, Urban Sanctuary can challenge cultural ageism and restore dignity, visibility, and power to elders.
- This shift also aligns with intergenerational justice—recognizing that the liberation of younger generations depends on valuing the survival and thriving of elders.
- Programs can emphasize rehumanization: centering their wisdom, contributions, and needs, rather than treating them as afterthoughts.