Changing the Narrative - Ending Ageism Together

Topic: Ending Ageism Together - There is an ugly and festering nuisance in American culture today. It’s called ageism and its messages and policies are hurting older adults’ financial security, health, cognition and life span, as well as our communities and the economy. What exactly is ageism? How does it show up among ourselves, others and in public policy? And how can we all address and combat ageism? Join community activist Kris Geerken for the answers and much more in this enlightening and interactive session.

Bio: Kris Geerken is Program Manager for Changing the Narrative where she developed the Age-Friendly Healthcare initiative, including production of the educational film, Antidotes for Ageism, which includes a self-directed discussion guide. In 2020, Kris partnered with a Colorado PBS station to produce a series of intergenerational conversations including the role of the arts in advancing social justice, digital divides during COVID-19, health equity and ageism.  In 2019, she developed a downloadable toolkit for intergenerational conversations on ageism.  In addition, she is an Adjunct Instructor at Metropolitan State University of Denver teaching the course, Aging and Society. 

In her previous work she served as Vice President with Colorado Center for Aging and she worked in hospice where she developed a community training program in advance care planning. 

Kris holds a Master of Health Administration degree and a B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in aging issues. 

Resources: https://changingthenarrativeco.org/