A Message from the Strategist
I am Patricia A. Fletcher, Ph.D., the Principal Strategist for our new Aging Employment Portfolio, which is designed to support a multigenerational workforce by ensuring equal employment opportunities for NIH employees who are age 40 and older.
I am excited to celebrate the launch of the Aging Employment Portfolio by marking the occasion alongside Older Americans Month, which is celebrated every May and dates back to 1963 when John F. Kennedy first initiated Senior Citizens Month. I am dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility at NIH through uplifting conversations across our community.
This year we celebrate Older Americans Month with the NIH theme, “Intentionality: The Power of Age-Inclusivity.” Let us embrace this month by starting discussions about changing the perspective toward aging. Join us on this journey to overcome and remove implicit age bias for a more age-inclusive work environment where everyone thrives.
Patricia A. Fletcher, Ph.D.
Principal Strategist
Aging Employment Portfolio
A Message from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we take pride in our ongoing commitment to equal employment opportunity and our diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. We offer several employment portfolios to identify and address challenges experienced by underrepresented groups and enhance the work experiences of all our employees. We are pleased to announce the newest addition, the Aging Employment Portfolio.
This new portfolio is part of an effort led by the NIH Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) to enhance equality of opportunities across the employment lifecycle, support career development, and foster a sense of belonging for individuals age 40 and older. We recognize the valuable experiences, knowledge, and skill sets this demographic contributes to our workforce.
We will celebrate the launch of the Aging Employment Portfolio in conjunction with Older Americans Month, which is observed every May. The 2024 NIH theme for this month is “Intentionality: The Power of Age-Inclusivity,” and throughout the month we will offer employees a variety of resources to help combat negative stereotypes and discriminatory practices based on age.
On May 7, we invite you to join the Aging Employment Portfolio's inaugural hybrid fireside chat that will feature a discussion on age inclusiveness. During this event, attendees will learn how to build strong connections across an age-diverse workforce to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.
Join us in acknowledging Older Americans Month by standing together as a strong NIH community. Let us celebrate the announcement of this important initiative and pledge to work to create a diverse and equitable workplace that promotes mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation.
Please visit EDI’s website, explore the blog posts, follow the office on LinkedIn and X, and watch EDI’s YouTube channel to stay informed on the exciting events happening this month.
Sincerely,
Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D.
NIH Director
Kevin D. Williams, Esq.
EDI Director
What were you surprised to learn during our Older Americans 2024 observance?
OAM2024 #ageism #equity #agebias
Events
Aging Employment Portfolio Fireside Chat “Age-Inclusiveness”
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT
Ageism has serious and far-reaching consequences for people’s health, well-being, and human rights.
— World Health Organization
Resources
Reframing Language Around Aging
Discover what to say and what not to say when using language to describe and reframe the narrative around aging. Courtesy of National Center to Reframe Aging.
About the Artwork
Our 2024 Older Americans Month campaign artwork celebrates the legacy of Dr. Robert N. Butler, the first director of the National Institute on Aging. According to The Robert N. Butler Aging Center, “Dr. Butler dedicated his life’s work to advocating for the needs and rights of older persons through research and social action, and he worked tirelessly for decades to raise societal awareness of issues surrounding population aging,” (Columbia, The Robert N. Butler Aging Center). Our theme, “Intentionality: the Power of Age-Inclusivity” is visualized through an abstract portrait of Dr. Butler along with intersecting lines and colors to reflect the beautiful and multifaceted nature of aging. The subtle hues of blue, green, and gray wash over the graphic to communicate a feeling of tranquility and suggest the natural beauty of the aging process.