Aging is more than just a biological process—it is shaped by race, sex, gender, class, and environment, influencing how different communities experience and navigate growing older. Feminist scholars and activists have long examined aging through an intersectional lens, questioning societal narratives that often devalue aging women, marginalized elders, and those whose aging journeys diverge from dominant norms.
Throughout history, feminists have worked to redefine aging, advocating for visibility, dignity, and equitable resources across diverse communities. They’ve explored how gender expectations impact aging bodies, how race and class dictate access to healthcare and longevity, and how changing environments—from urbanization to climate shifts—affect the aging experience.
In this discussion, we will examine how feminist perspectives on aging have evolved over the past century and how activists today continue to challenge ageism, reimagine elder care, and push for new ways of thinking about life’s later years. We’ll also explore contemporary movements that link aging with disability justice, climate change, and gender equity—proving that growing older isn’t about fading away, but about redefining power, identity, and care in a changing world.