State Representative Mitch Bolinsky presented a proclamation to Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS), Commission on Aging members, C.H. Booth Library staff, and others promoting the “Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” series, June 24 at C.H. Booth Library.

Everyone defines aging differently, often leading to younger generations misinterpreting ideas, according to FONS Board of Directors member Frank Monette.

“Some people have misconceptions, and they apply it to individuals,” said Monette.

A misconception Monette brought up was the limitations of age. For example, walking can deplete overtime, forcing people to use walkers or canes for better mobility. Limitations may not affect everyone, however, and the bias narrative does not apply to them, he added.

“You will find people who are 85 playing tennis and traveling. The biases do not apply to them. So that’s what age is trying to count the prejudices that society has, for people based on age,” Monette added.

For others, aging may result in moving into a nursing home, as they get sick and cannot take care of themselves. When it comes to this, living in a nursing home may not be what people want, but the state representative says he looks to combat this situation.

“Nursing homes to many over the history of nursing homes have been the beginning of the end,” said Bolinsky.

“There’s no place like home and where you’re familiar and where you have people that love you, for you to age, and if you choose to age in place, Stay in Connecticut is endeavoring to bring all of the services you would get in a nursing home, paid for by Medicaid Medicare, to people’s homes,” Bolinsky added.

To help stop the ongoing problem, understanding aging is the first step and the book, Ageism Unmasked by Tracey Gendron, does just that. The book discusses previously unconscious bias, challenges and opportunities of aging, treating others more equitably and resetting expectations for getting old.

For those interested in grabbing a copy, copies of the book are available at the library. Free programs related to the books and its topics will be planned over the next two months. Launched in January, “Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” has offered programs, lectures, and other special events meant to emphasize the individual nature of aging and the concept of health span as different from lifespan.

Gendron has been invited to speak at Edmond Town Hall on September 18.

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Tyler Pruneau is a journalism student at the University of Connecticut interning with The Newtown Bee this summer. He can be reached at intern@thebee.com.