Presidential Symposium: The Future of Aging Equity: Sustaining Progress and Innovating Inclusion

TL;DR

This symposium explores how to ensure fair treatment and support for older adults by addressing the intersection of age with other identities and societal factors.

Contribution

The symposium introduces strategies to sustain and innovate aging equity through collaboration and research amid evolving challenges.

Findings

Aging equity is shaped by intersecting factors like race and socioeconomic status.

Sustaining progress in aging equity requires innovative and inclusive strategies.

Collaboration across policy, research, and practice is essential for advancing equity.

Abstract

Aging is a fundamental aspect of identity and lived experience—yet it is often overlooked when considering equity across society. How age intersects with race, socioeconomic status, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, and geography shapes opportunities, access to care, and overall well-being throughout the lifespan. Ensuring that all individuals can age with dignity, health, and security requires a commitment to aging equity (i.e., the fair and just distribution of opportunities, resources, and support for older adults). As research, policy, advocacy, and practice efforts continue to push for inclusion, shifting funding priorities and institutional frameworks introduce new complexities that challenge the sustainability of progress. While new barriers continue to emerge, the need to sustain and advance aging equity has never been more urgent. This symposium brings together experts in policy, research, and applied practice to explore key strategies for securing the future of aging equity. Speakers will highlight how we can sustain hard-fought gains while forging new paths—leveraging innovation, collaboration, and research to drive inclusion, even in uncertain times. This session takes a firm stance on sustaining and expanding equity efforts across these intersecting dimensions of identity while developing forward-thinking strategies to ensure continued progress despite evolving challenges.