Challenging Ageism and Reclaiming Belonging at Any Age: Kim Samuel’s Mission

At 64, Challenging Ageism and Fighting for the Right to Belong

By Kim Samuel · As told to the Prevention Better Now series

Aging is beautiful, transformative, and purposeful—and for Kim Samuel, it has become the foundation for a personal mission: to challenge ageism, fight for dignity and belonging for all, and reclaim the narrative on getting older. In this essay, Samuel shares her journey, lessons learned from her family, research on social isolation in aging, and the global movement she leads to redefine how societies value age and connection.

How My Father’s Story Sparked My Mission

Ageism is alive and well in today’s culture. My understanding of its consequences became deeply personal through a family crisis. When my father was 65, he suffered a mysterious brain injury, spent three months in a coma, and awoke with life-changing disabilities. As soon as he was ready for rehabilitation, we hit an obstacle: our insurance wouldn’t pay for his rehabilitation—but would pay for a nursing home where, the implication was clear, he’d remain indefinitely, without hope for regaining independence.

• If not for our own resources, my father’s story would’ve ended with enforced isolation and decline instead of recovery.
• This moment uncovered how older adults are often denied the chance to recover, simply due to their age.
• It ignited my drive to change lives by fighting not just for my father, but for all people facing aging and loneliness.

Belonging Is a Birthright

I believe the right to belong is as fundamental as food or shelter. Every person deserves meaningful social connection and the chance to participate in their community. That conviction led me to found The Samuel Center for Social Connectedness in my father’s memory, with a mission to advance global causes for belonging.

• The Center builds safe, inclusive spaces for individuals at risk of social isolation.
• It also campaigns to transform systems that overlook or marginalize the elderly and other at-risk groups.

Resilience alone isn’t enough if society repeatedly signals you no longer matter. We need to address the structures and mentalities that bar people from friendship, purpose, and joy.

The Loneliness of Aging

We are living through an epidemic of loneliness among older adults. Too many are isolated, and some feel so disconnected they see no reason to continue living. These aren’t failures of individual spirit, but of our collective priorities and systems.

• The aging population is rapidly increasing worldwide, intensifying the need for inclusive support systems.
• When older individuals are left without friends or meaningful activities, society suffers the consequences.

Witnessing this fuels my advocacy: to ensure no one need face their later years alone or unvalued.

The Belonging Barometer: Measuring Social Connection

To ground our work in evidence, The Samuel Center for Social Connectedness launched the Belonging Forum and embarked on a landmark research project: The Belonging Barometer. Surveying over 10,000 people in the United Kingdom, we explored the roots and prevalence of social isolation, especially in aging.

The implications are serious: millions of older adults lack vital social bonds, directly affecting their health, happiness, and longevity. We’re using this research to inform a bold new Charter for Belonging, a roadmap for communities determined to fight social isolation and build inclusive neighborhoods for all ages.

Learning, Growth, and the Upside of Aging

Despite the challenges, my own aging process has brought a sense of gratitude and possibility. After six decades, I cherish that I’m still learning and growing every day. The second half of life can be a period of profound value.

• Wisdom: I now possess greater clarity and confidence in my ideas and values.
• Purpose: My work brings deep fulfillment, and I wish everyone could access the same.
• Resilience: Emotional setbacks feel less overwhelming, and I recover more quickly than I did in my youth.

The adage is true—what doesn’t destroy you truly does make you stronger. I no longer wish for do-overs; instead, I draw upon everything life has taught me.

Acknowledging Privilege and Supporting Others

This journey isn’t without gratitude for the privileges I hold. My optimism and comfort are possible in part because I have support—from accessible health care to financial security—that not all older adults share.

• Recognizing my own good fortune fuels my fight to extend support and belonging to everyone.
• Communities must come together, understand each other’s struggles, and offer practical help.
• Belonging is both individual and collective: it grows through vulnerability, mutual aid, and listening.

Why We Must Challenge Ageism Now

Ageism is not just about stereotypes or offhanded jokes. It’s embedded in our insurance systems, our institutions, our media, and even our own fears. *Older adults are too often seen as burdens rather than vital sources of wisdom and care.*

• Combating ageism means rewriting social expectations around productivity, relevance, and capability.
• We must empower all generations to participate, mentor, and contribute throughout life.
• Every age is worthy. Every age belongs.

I’m prouder than ever to claim my age, but I am determined to make sure it represents far more than a number.

Building the Future of Belonging

My hope is for a world in which everyone, regardless of age, feels seen, heard, and valued. This requires not just personal resilience but collective commitment and policy change. The Samuel Center will continue to partner with researchers, activists, and communities to forge real, lasting paths to social connection.

• Advocate for belonging as a right, not a privilege.
• Develop programs to build friendships and intergenerational ties.
• Create safe, inclusive public spaces for every stage of life.

We are all aging. The time to build a better path for ourselves and each other is now. When we recognize everyone’s right to belong, the “age of wisdom” becomes an age for all people, everywhere, to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is ageism, and why does it matter?

A: Ageism refers to stereotyping or discriminating against individuals or groups based on their age. It matters because it limits opportunities for older adults to participate fully in society and undermines their dignity and well-being.

Q: How does loneliness affect older adults?

A: Loneliness can increase the risk of health problems such as depression, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Social connection is crucial for mental and physical health as we age.

Q: What is the Samuel Center for Social Connectedness?

A: The Samuel Center is an organization founded to support research, policy, and initiatives that combat social isolation and promote a universal right to belonging for people of all ages.

Q: What practical steps can communities take to reduce social isolation?

A: Effective measures include creating inclusive public spaces, fostering intergenerational programs, supporting aging-in-place initiatives, and increasing access to mental health services for older adults.

Q: How can individuals help foster belonging?

A: Small actions matter,—such as reaching out to neighbors, volunteering, and supporting inclusive policies. Everyone can play a role by valuing connection and welcoming diverse experiences and ages.