Title: Rebelling Against Ageism with Ashton Applewhite : Part 1

Episode 1 & 2 topic: Ageism

Welcome to Aging Vibrantly, Conversations to Empower Seniors, an Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario podcast, where we amplify the voices of seniors who impart their expertise and wisdom, to enhance our understanding of aging issues and ways of living a safe and fulfilling life with respect and dignity.

In this episode, Raeann Rideout, host, is joined with her co-host April Struthers to interview guest Ashton Applewhite for a lively discussion on Ageism. We discuss the prevalence of ageism, its impacts, the need for more intergenerational dialogue and her advocacy work in creating a social movement to dismantle ageism and embrace a world of all ages, including Ageism Awareness campaigns that are growing the conversation and resulting in positive social change.

Ashton is an internationally recognized expert on ageism, the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism and co-founder of the Old School Hub. She welcomes people of all ages to learn about ageism and how to break down the barriers.

Main Points in Episode 1:

World Health Organization (WHO)

Global studies indicate, one in two people are ageist.

We all are biased, stereotypes begin at an early age

WHO found health and lifespan can be expanded by understanding ageism

Awareness of ageism has increased; WHO report

A world for all ages, any age judgment is ageist: ‘too young or too old’

Defining Ageism

Give age too much power to shape our impressions

No prejudice is rational - No ‘ism’ should not be tolerated

Ageism is in language we use everyday, need to avoid young and old language

Of all “isms”, ageism is the least explored or studied

Discriminating against our future older selves

Heterogeneity in society - age at different rates, are shaped by our unique differences which makes us more unique as we age

Challenge now is to change how we Think, Feel and Act about aging

Ageism

Most tolerated ‘ism’’

Trying to be inclusive without being ageist

Once you see ageism in yourself, you see ageism in other places

Ageism is embedded in our social economic structure

Social change is slow and hard

Progress is being made in changing attitudes and behaviours

October 19th is now recognized as Ageism Awareness Day, a National Anti-Ageism Campaign

If you enjoyed the show like, share it and leave us a review!

Please join us for Part 2.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @thischairrocks

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThisChairRocks

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thischairrocks

YouTube: / ashtonapplewhitevideos

LinkedIn: / ashton-applewhite-64658

RSS: https://thischairrocks.com/feed/

Host,

Raeann Rideout host and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario.

www.eapon.ca

Co-host,

April Struthers, an organizational consultant and author in the field of adult abuse prevention at Wit Works.

https://witworks.ca/