Press Releases

New Media Guide Promotes Accurate Coverage of Aging Issues

NEW YORK (December 1, 2008) — In an effort to facilitate accurate and unbiased communications on aging issues, the International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) and Aging Services of California have partnered to publish a first of its kind styleguide for journalism, entertainment and advertising professionals.

Media Takes: On Aging provides the necessary tools for media professionals to represent older adults and the aging process in a fair, contemporary and unbiased manner. The guide includes authoritative recommendations, a glossary of aging-related terms and a comprehensive list of resources.

“This report is an important step in overcoming ageist language and beliefs,” says Dr. Robert N. Butler, president and CEO of the ILC-USA. “By providing journalists and others who work in the media with an appropriate body of knowledge, including a lexicon that helps redefine and navigate this new world, we can work together to proactively combat stereotypes.”

The unprecedented publication is being provided as a public service to over 10,000 media professionals including "age-beat" journalists; film and TV producers, directors and writers, through their respective guilds; and advertising agencies. Initial complimentary distribution also includes more than 2,500 university department chairs for marketing, communications and performing arts.

"Media Takes: On Aging is intended to be both a reality check and a resource," says Stuart Greenbaum, director of Public Relations for Aging Services of California. "Media professionals significantly influence people's attitudes toward the aging process."

ILC-USA and Aging Services of California have made Media Takes: On Aging available for free download online at www.ilcusa.org and www.aging.org, respectively. Additional hard copies can also be requested through the organizations websites.

Journalists may contact the Communications Department for more information.

Related Links: Media Takes: On Aging

Keywords: age boom, media, agesim

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