Ashton Applewhite, author of "This Chair Rocks," is a leading voice against ageism and advocates for positive aging. In this engaging discussion, she debunks the myth that aging brings unhappiness, revealing that many actually find greater joy as they grow older. Ashton highlights crucial predictors of aging well and emphasizes how societal misconceptions can harm health. She urges listeners to envision their future selves positively, inspiring a shift in how we perceive aging and encouraging a more compassionate view on this universal journey.
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insights INSIGHT
Diversity in Aging
People grow more different from each other as they age, invalidating stereotypes.
The belief that older people are alike is especially untrue.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Nursing Home Myth
Only 2.5% of Americans over 65 live in nursing homes, contrary to common assumptions.
This percentage has decreased over time, highlighting a misconception about aging.
insights INSIGHT
Mindset's Impact on Aging
Our attitudes about aging affect our physical and cognitive health.
People with positive views are less prone to Alzheimer's, even with genetic predisposition.
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This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism is a deeply researched and engaging book that debunks myths about aging and challenges ageist stereotypes. Ashton Applewhite traces her journey from apprehensive boomer to pro-aging radical, examining ageism in various contexts and advocating for an all-age-friendly world. The book offers a call to action to make age discrimination as unacceptable as other forms of bias.
1. Why we’ve been sold a lie–and the truth that we actually get happier the older we get!
2. The two most important–and shocking–predictors of aging well.
3. Busting the most prevalent misconceptions and about getting older.
4. How believing the myths about aging literally harms our health and makes us more vulnerable to the fears we hold about aging.
5. Glennon paints a mental picture of her older self–and encourages the Pod Squad to do the same.
About Ashton:
The author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, Ashton Applewhite is a leading spokesperson for the emerging movement to raise awareness of ageism and to dismantle it. A co-founder of the Old School Anti-Ageism Clearinghouse, she has been recognized by the New York Times, the New Yorker, National Public Radio, and the American Society on Aging as an expert on ageism. Ashton has written for Harper’s, the Guardian, and the New York Times, blogs at This Chair Rocks, and is the voice of Yo, Is This Ageist? She speaks widely at venues that have ranged from colleges and symposia to the TED mainstage and the United Nations. In 2022 she appeared on HelpAgeUSA’s inaugural 60 Over 60 List and on Fe:maleOneZero’s first international edition of 40 over 40 – The World’s Most Inspiring Women.
We Can Do Hard Things 