Changing the narrative: Widener Law Commonwealth event on aging and justice reaches all nine PA law schools
What does it mean to age with dignity—and how can the legal system support that process? That was the heart of the conversation at Widener University Commonwealth Law School on April 16, where students and faculty came together for a presentation entitled 'Reframing Aging.'
The event, part of a statewide series led by the Pennsylvania Elder Justice Consortium, featured keynote speaker Rebecca May-Cole, MPA, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging and a certified facilitator with the National Center to Reframe Aging. Although May-Cole was live for students on Commonwealth’s campus, her presentation was broadcast to students at all nine Pennsylvania law schools. May-Cole led an engaging, hands-on session that pushed attendees to take a closer look at their own assumptions about aging. Through a mix of storytelling, research, and open discussion, she challenged the room to consider how language and attitudes—especially in the legal field—can shape outcomes for older adults.
“Aging is a natural and normal part of life—it’s something we all do from the moment we’re born,” May-Cole said. “But the way we talk about it can make it seem like a problem, rather than a process. Our words matter.”
She broke down the subtle but damaging impact of ageist language, from casual phrases like “senior moment” to more serious assumptions in courtrooms and care settings. These patterns, she explained, can erode trust and even contribute to billions of dollars in preventable healthcare costs each year. “Treating someone like a child because of their age doesn’t build trust—it breaks it,” she said.
Mary Catherine Scott, associate clinical professor of law and director of Widener’s Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic, helped bring the event to campus. A member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Elder Justice Advisory Council, Scott is a co-chair of the Pennsylvania Elder Justice Consortium—a coalition of faculty from all nine Pennsylvania law schools working to advance elder justice through education and advocacy.
“Our goal as a consortium is to connect students and communities with the tools and knowledge to support justice for older adults,” Scott said. “This work is about shifting perspectives, challenging stereotypes, and training future lawyers to lead the way.”
Third-year law student Helene Hess said the event prompted her to examine her own perceptions and consider how they might affect her future clients.
“During the presentation, we participated in activities that highlighted how deeply ingrained ageism is in our culture,” Hess said. “Most people are completely unaware that they discriminate against others based on age.”
That realization sparked deeper reflection. “The conversation made me realize that ageism remains a socially accepted prejudice in today's society,” she said. “Both younger and older generations experience discrimination, but I believe that women face a significantly higher level of age-related discrimination. It is important to be aware of how you treat individuals and to consider whether your behavior changes based on their age.”
Student Bar Association President Abbigale Agosti, also a third-year law student, echoed the value of the session’s interactive approach.
“It was a really interesting lecture,” Agosti said. “We all have bias, and that is inherent in our nature. However, the first step is to understand our own thought processes, and this program was extremely beneficial for that.”
She added that the session also encouraged self-compassion. “It was encouraging to hear the speaker explain that she isn't perfect and still has bias. It is a slow process, but it is something to be continuously cognizant of, and working on introspectively, while allowing yourself some grace.”
Throughout the session, attendees were invited to reflect on their own biases. When asked to write down the first words that came to mind when they heard the term “elderly,” responses ranged from “wise” and “resilient” to “frail” and “lonely.” That simple exercise sparked a deeper discussion about how even well-meaning labels can influence everything from legal policy to personal interactions.
One video segment—highlighting the backhanded compliment “she looks good for her age”—drew audible reactions and led to an open conversation about media messaging, ageism in healthcare, and how legal professionals can do better.
“You’re going to be in rooms where people need to trust you,” May-Cole told the students. “And that trust starts with respect—asking questions, being patient, and valuing the lived experience of older adults.”
Hess echoed that message when asked what law students and future lawyers can do to promote equity and dignity for older clients. “To uphold dignity and equity for older adults, law students and future lawyers must have respect and sincerity,” she said.
May-Cole also urged students to think about careers in aging-related law, pointing to growing demand in fields like elder law, guardianship, health policy, and public interest work.
“You want a long-lasting legal career?” she said. “Stick with the aging side of things. The need is only going to grow.”
