Report on West Hollywood’s Recognition of Ageism Awareness Day and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

On October 6, the West Hollywood City Council officially recognized Ageism Awareness Day by honoring resident Barbara Meltzer. This action highlights the municipality’s commitment to combating age-based discrimination and fostering an inclusive community. This initiative directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequalities, promoting well-being, and building sustainable communities.

Event Details

• Subject: Recognition of Ageism Awareness Day
• Honoree: Barbara Meltzer, Member of the American Society of Aging
• Recognizing Body: West Hollywood City Council
• Objective: To draw attention to the societal impact of ageism and promote the development of age-inclusive communities.

Analysis of Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The city’s observance of Ageism Awareness Day demonstrates a practical application of global sustainability principles at the local level. The initiative aligns with the following SDGs:

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The core purpose of the event is to combat prejudice and discrimination based on age, directly addressing the goal of reducing inequality within communities.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • By working to build “age-inclusive communities,” West Hollywood contributes to Target 11.7, which aims to create safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces for all, including older persons.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing ageism is critical to supporting the mental and physical well-being of older adults, ensuring they can lead healthy lives and remain active participants in society.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The recognition of a female leader, Barbara Meltzer, acknowledges the intersectional nature of discrimination, where ageism often disproportionately affects women.

Conclusion

The recognition of Ageism Awareness Day by the West Hollywood City Council is a significant action that reinforces the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals. It serves as a model for how municipal governments can actively work to dismantle systemic inequalities and build more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive communities for citizens of all ages.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses issues connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This goal is central to the article’s theme. The focus on “Ageism Awareness Day” and drawing “attention to the impact of ageism in society” directly relates to reducing inequalities based on age. Ageism is a form of discrimination that leads to social and economic exclusion, which SDG 10 aims to combat.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is relevant through the article’s stated objective to “work together to build age-inclusive communities.” This aligns with the aim of SDG 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for all inhabitants, including older persons.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 10.2 (under SDG 10)

   “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.”

   The article’s focus on combating “ageism” and creating “age-inclusive communities” directly supports the promotion of social inclusion for all, irrespective of age. The recognition of Ageism Awareness Day by the West Hollywood City Council is an action that promotes the inclusion of older adults.

2. Target 10.3 (under SDG 10)

   “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.”

   The establishment of an “Ageism Awareness Day” is a specific policy action aimed at drawing attention to and ultimately eliminating the discriminatory practice of ageism, thereby working towards ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome for people of all ages.

3. Target 11.7 (under SDG 11)

   “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.”

   The article’s mention of the goal to “build age-inclusive communities” connects directly to this target. An age-inclusive community is one where infrastructure, services, and public spaces are designed to be accessible and safe for older persons, facilitating their full participation in society.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not provide quantitative data but implies qualitative indicators of progress:

• Indicator for Targets 10.2 and 10.3

  The primary implied indicator is the existence of institutional actions and policies aimed at combating discrimination. In this case, the West Hollywood City Council’s official recognition of “Ageism Awareness Day” and the public honoring of an advocate like Barbara Meltzer serve as qualitative indicators. These actions demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusion and addressing age-based discrimination, which aligns with the spirit of Indicator 10.3.1 (“Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against…”), as such actions are often a response to perceived discrimination.

• Indicator for Target 11.7

  The stated commitment to “work together to build age-inclusive communities” is an indicator of policy direction and intent. While not a quantitative measure, it represents a formal acknowledgment of the need to create inclusive environments. Progress could be measured by tracking the implementation of policies and programs that arise from this commitment.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: beverlypress.com