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Closing panel: leaders urge combating ageism and expanding engagement as statesage populations grow
Summary
University and nonprofit leaders closed the symposium urging action to counter ageism, expand intergenerational programming and use arts and play to increase social connection for older adults.
The symposium closed with a panel focused on successful aging and community engagement. Rob Entz, executive director of the Utah Commission on Aging, framed aging as both challenge and opportunity and invited cross-sector collaboration.
Emily Christiansen, a gerontologist and music therapist, highlighted internalized ageism and the power of arts programs to rebuild confidence and social engagement. "Once you start noticing internalized ageism, you can't believe the messages you're telling yourself," she said, describing an online art class that helped participants discover new capacities.
Kyle Case, CEO of the Huntsman World Senior Games (introduced at the session), and Elaine Markland (University of Utah geriatrics) urged training the next generation of caregivers and reducing fear of participation through familiarization and accessible programs. Panelists encouraged continued listening sessions and community-level pilots to scale programs that reinforce social connection and physical activity.
