The global population continues to age . However, due to the increase in better-educated people coupled with much better access to healthcare , soon it will not be uncommon to find four generations in what is referred to as ‘commonplace' or existing all at the same point in time, a phenomenon that has not happened before. Sooner or later , society will have no option but to confront the realities of an aged population with people sixty-five and above encountered in all facets of life and professional fields . The aged professionals might range from bus drivers, taxi cab operators, teachers, doctors, tech company employees, CEOs, artists, musicians to TV , sports and fashion personalities. Ageism is the negative and prejudicial attitude towards older persons, which is based on stereotypes (Kenyon, 1992). Ageism or the discrimination based on old age has always been associated with all manner of stereotypes . These are ingrained and internalized from very early ages such as reduction of the question of age to a binary , with young/old binary being synonymous with good/bad, well/sick, attractive/ugly, agile/frail and so on. Ageism , in turn , breeds shame and low self - esteem in older people due to the known correlates of age such as frailty and memory loss which often lead to self - hatred, denial and overcompensation . These correlates further legitimize stigma and discriminati on.
A geism exacerbates abuse in all its forms . These include sexual, physical, emotional abuse a s well as abandonment and fraud. O ften , this diverts the argument from the important issue of whether age fundamentally transforms the whole being rendering one incompetent for instance. This signifies the fact that the society is yet to understand the implications of and the plight of the aged population . Subsequently, in some instances, the society has failed to plan for this demographic and to fully understand the significance of people living longer on economies and the society as a whole.The mechanisms of aging are still being unraveled, and many theories exist to explain the aging process . While some theories have taken prominence o ver others , primarily , the factors driving age - related decline are not yet clear (Cesari et al. , 2013). Life expectancy has steadily been increasing, approximately 27 years in the past 100 years . T his success has mainly been driven by medical advances that have resulted in early diagnosis, better treatments, and better living standards (Cesari et al. , 2013 ).
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Ageism has been covered in an engaging, richly referenced treatise, with quotations from experts in the field, use of real-life stories, abundant infusions of witty coinage, and captivating language in the book , This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite. Gerontologists in all facets of life and at all levels from sociology, economics, government to medicine are likely to find this book informative in planning and formulating polic y. It is also good a reference text on the subject. Ageism is yet to find a voice an d advocacy to the level attained with , for instance , racism and gender bias . A s people live longer, the inevitable cross-generational interaction at the workplace and in social life is likely to escalate distaste and disaffection from the youth who will perceive older people along stereotypical lines. Also, the lack of knowledge of what it is like to grow old in society today continues to perpetuate the notion that it is dreadful to grow old . It also perpetuates prejudice against the future selves.
The book’s cover image is very relevant and probably portrays ‘gerotranscendence’ or the feeling of being in all age groups at once . It also may epitomize what will soon be the norm, finding four generations at ‘commonplace . ’ The book is aptly titled This Chair Rocks most probably in reference to the dichotomy of stereotype versus reality which is the main thrust in combating ageism. Applewhite ’s captivating language, use of words, personal experiences during interviews and during the writing of the book give it a personal touch . This is likely to resonate appropriately wit h reader s of all ages. The book’s subtle use of citations, references to books with similar themes, expert opinions, excerpts from journalists in dailies, data from studies, experiments, research polls and the infusion of witty coinage on the theme of ageism generates confidence of wide consensus of the matters discussed and outlined. This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism is not a theoretical text . H owever, it would have been enriched if conceptual approaches of ageism such as compassionate, intergenerational or new ageism as outlined by Marier & Revelli ( 2016) would have be en outlined .
Applewhite’s book is divided into nine chapters . T he first two chapters fall under the i ntroduct ory part and the rest under the second section which is referred to as the frontlines . T he chapters are named in a way that reflects the dichotomy of myth versus the reality regarding the matters discussed in the chapter s . For instance, t he first twelve pages of the book’s introduction describe initial perceptions about older people and growing old, the enlightenment that came with the debunking of some of the myths . This serves as a wake-up call to ageism that is characteristic of the society today. The contents of these pages thus urge everyone to embrace an accurate view of growing old. This introductory note is captivating and subtly interests and draws in the reader to the rest of the introductory section which consist s of chapter one and two.
C hapter one focuses on historical perspective; current perspectives; the effect of ageism on us tied in with the genesis of abusive behavior towards older people; the actual significance of old age; and how globalization is promoting ageism . Likewise, it covers the myths surrounding old age or anti-age agenda; the interface of age, class, and the environment; and the realities of living in an aging society. Using examples from interviews, studies, experiments, the inclusion of witty coinage, real-life stories, journalist quotes from dailies, and the inclusion of expert comments and opinion s, C hapter two discusses the problem of age identity of the older person. Various issues are covered under the phenomenon of ‘youth creep . ’ These include the meaning of age number; age as a self - fulfilling stereotype and the effect s of this ; the heterogeneous nature of aging; and the paradox of middle age . It also highlights the pertinence of ‘temporal vertigo’ and ‘gerotranscendance’; and the hope that the old/young binary will be fluid. In addition, in this C hapter , the older person s are urged to claim their age and questio n its significance instead of being ashamed of it . The other issues discussed include the possibility of using other identifiers in reference to age ; the use of appropriate language or what is referred to as ‘people first’ language ; the fact that there is no one way to age ; bridging the divide by practicing being an old person in training ; and the use of ‘agefulness’ to undo the stereotypes that perpetuate ageism.
The second part of the book appropriately referred to as ‘the frontlines , ’ and deals with the actual correlates of aging, the associated myths, and stereotypes. Chapter three is a discussion of the brain of people of older age; the myth of old age and incompetence is demystified; the stigma of cognitive loss is explored; normal brain changes are described; and how to build cognitive reserve . It also covers the positive effects of physical fitness on mental fitness; the benefits on the brain conferred by the aging process; the cognitive benefits of the older brain; the neurological basis of wisdom and integrative capacity . T he content that comes with old age is explained using examples, studies and the U-curve of happiness. Chapter four is an exploration of the body of old people, the goal being to stay healthy rather than younger . It also covers the need to view longevity as a bonus rather than pursuing immortality . This is a reminder that biological phenomena are not linear. This chapter reminds us that due to ageism, health care during old age often means no treatment, less treatment or worse treatment due to stereotypes which should not be the case. This C hapter , however, explains that the current trend is that people are not only living longer but also staying healthier longer . It also reiterates that aging is not a disease, and the misconception that age and illness are associated is corrected . T he fact that people with chronic disease and disability do learn to live with it and they grow old is highlighted . The role of genes versus attitudes is also explored in th e chapter, and a reminder to the elderly to accept that life is finite and reject the stereotypes is given.
In his article , Carter, (2016) examined the impact of dominant anti - aging and health on women ’ s body practices such as exercise, makeup, clothing, and diet . The study revealed that women are motivated to perform these practices in order to maintain healthy bodies and a youthful appearance. I n th e article , it wa s shown that while the preoccupation to fight the aging processes is not a recent development, the association of growing old with ill health or disease combined with the societ y’s version of promotion of health is having an impact and far - reaching implications on the sense of self as well as the relationship women have with their bodies. Therefore , Applewhite ’s thoughts in This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism are right and confirm the extent to which ageism i s internalized as a stereotype , and its implications for the health of people growing older. For instance, t he stereotype promotes shamefulness about growing old , and in turn perpetuates self-loathing, passivity and stigma which are driving factors of ageism . This is exacerbated by the accompanying denial, self-hatred, and legitimizes abuse.
Chapter five covers the matters of sex, intimacy and old age , the stereotypes such as the ‘sexless senior,' the tag of taboo, derision, and the fact that the subject is under-researched. This chapter also corrects the notion that somehow , sexual activity stops with the onset of old age, and that finding companionship through dating is not for the old . The chapter also explores the stereotype surrounding eroticism, and the fact that sex and arousal change over time. This chapter urges the shunning of anti-aging rhetoric from media, while recognizing societal constructs, and encourages an adventurous spirit in pursuit of romance. Chapter six deals with the workplace of the older people; the inter - generational interface ; the ageist stereotypes that older workers deny the youth jobs ; the need for any person at any age to work and to sustain themselves, and the economic cost of ageism . It also delves into the obsoleteness of retirement, and the issue of volunteering. At the end of this chapter, people of advanced age are urged to educate themselves about age discrimination and to speak out. Chapter seven focuses on the need for social living, the dangers of isolation especially in reference to males, the myth of self-sufficiency, and independence and ‘agelessness . ’ This chapter encourage s the aged to seek outside connections using the internet, with people of all ages, to be ambassador s of age , and t o learn to ask for help.
Increasingly , in western countries , large residential complexes consist ing of retirement villages and care facilities are now the norm . These facilities have becom e synonymous with specialized housing for older people ( Kawamura et al., 2007) . A hindrance to research is inevitable with this view because traditionally, the se facilities have been considered as separate (Petersen & Warburton, 2011). In the ir study , Petersen & Warburton (2011) focussed on the residential complexes in south-east ern Queensland, Aust ra lia . The explore d the geographies of these complexes using data from a much more extensive study with the aim of determin ing how professional knowledge of planners, designers, and policy level influence s the place of old people in the present day society . The study determined that professional knowledge contains contradiction s, and that commercial and business interests propagated stereotypes of agelessness of people of older age as well as the myth that they are dependent. Most importantly, the findings of this study highlights the impact of design ing spaces for the elderly and reinforcement of the historical legacy and stereotype of segregation from the community. The concept of this kind of built environment , apart from promot ing the ageist stereotype, is also paradoxically, a cause as well as an effect of ageism . Interestingly, g erontology has neglected research o n these spaces. Kawamura et al. (2007) carried out a study in similar environments, in which case they sought to evaluate the behavioral and psychological effects of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) on the elderly occupants of a nursing home. After six months of this long-term study, improvements in the participants’ mental functions were noted. Despite this, the participants’ physical functions declined. These findings suggest that after six months of AAT, the subjects’ goals and needs ought to the re-examined.
The areas of focus in C hapter eight include the end of life fear ; anxiety ; life’s worth ; and views of death by people at old ages . Nevertheless , this chapter would have benefitted from observations about death anxiety and how this is influenced by culture, religion, the advent of secularism, as well an exploration of some of the theories underlying end of life thoughts by the elderly in the ageist era. In addition, the ageist stereotypes surrounding home care, elderly homes and hospice care would have been particularly enriching for this section. In the review of an article by de São José & Amado (2017) , it was observed that ageism in long-term care is pervasive . H owever, ageism is ill - defined and therefore not readily identifiable thus causing a barrier to fighting it . Therefore, the study suggested that research should focus on formulating concept on ageism as it currently occurs . This should be follow ed by surveys and studies to detect and measure the occurrence of ageism under these conceptual frameworks. In addition, the goal should be to understand the multi - dimensional and complex nature of ageism. The review also found that most studies have previously concentrated on how prevalent the manifestations and genesis of ageism are. H owever, few studies delve into the consequences of ageism , and the interventions and strategies employed to tackle this problem. A greater proportion of these studies have use d measurement scales to measure ageism . H owever, these were only deemed appropriate considering the study design, aims, objectives, and limitations but not to the extent that generalized conclusions can be inferred for policy. Most of the studies were also biased towards residential services leaving the non-residential services unrepresented and uninvestigated in a representative manner.
The variants of ageism which were covered include the provision of rushed care ; asking the elderly to perform childish activities ; lack of privacy ; excessive medication ; respect based on age ; and using the elderly for commercial purposes . Despite this, implicit and self-ageism were not explored. The theoretical frameworks in the reviewed studies were diverse and varied owing most probably to the diverse and varied study designs, aims and objectives. Most importantly, it was shown that no ne of the reviewed stud ies had included or used theoretical frameworks that focus on ageism. The summary of theoretical frameworks employed in the reviewed studies includes Goffman's perspectives on stigma and depersonalization in institutions; Foucault’s perspectives on power; Age Stratification Theories ; Normative Ethical Theories, and Communication Accommodation Theory ( de São José & Amado , 2017) . The two theories related to ageism that were expected in these studies are the Terror Management Theory and the Social Identity Theory ( de São José & Amado , 2017) . Finally , chapter nine deals with post ageism ; accepting and transcending the process of aging ; acknowledging our prejudices ; raising consciousness beginning at the family level; steps to be taken in the beginning to combat this discrimination are outlined ; and the reminder that there will always be resistance to change . In line with this chapter’s overall message, Fry & Debats (2014) highlight the use of self-appraisal by the elderly. This measure entails key theoretical dimensions of both internal and external sources of life strengths. Other factors that have been noted to influence the aging experience are gardens and gardening. For instance, in their study, Wright & Wadsworth (2014) reviewed articles with the aim of demonstrating the multi-disciplinarity of the aging process and gardening. The study established that psychological benefits such as personal contentment are associated with this activity. Likewise, gardening can increase community awareness, health, and the connection with future generations.
Despite the challenges highlighted by Applewhite , a consolation is offered that resisting ageism is part of a much bigger c ultural r evolution. Combating ageism will require efforts at both individual and societal level using a diverse array of strategies . This is in a bid to address both the negative representation of the elderly as well as the aging process , replac ing it with positive views and attitudes both in society as well as among the el derly themselves. One of the most successful and efficacious strategies for use in challenging the stereotypes is the promoti on intergroup contact. Th us, it is postulated that the societal segregation perpetuates ageism due to the separation of children and youth through school and work requirements . On the other hand, the elderly are separated due to retirement and care resulting in limited contact between these groups. The amount of contact that is allowed to take place between age groups for instance b y promoting the interaction between the elderly and children has been shown to improve implicit attitudes and associations . Further, the quality of time improves explicit attitudes despite the fact that the availability of time for high quality and positive direct contact between age groups is a limiting factor.
Another strategy involves changing or improving attitudes toward aging . T his approach entails challenging negative stereotypes about aging and the aging process by highlighting the varied experiences associated with aging . This can be done via the media and through other channels that are allowable by the current technological advancements in the media industry. This is the first step in t he creation of awareness and setting in motion a drive to improve health and well - being during the aging process and among the elderly. This strategy is much more difficult and require s a lot of thought to be put into developing methods and techniques of targeting . This s hould be aimed at improving and changing internalized stereotypes , expectations and attitudes on aging especially amongst the elderly who have been exposed to a lifetime of negative stereotypes.
This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism emphasizes that b oth professionals and other members of the society should take a leading role in challenging ageist stereotypes and ageism in general. This can be accomplished through various avenues including research, teaching, professional development, the media, as well as policy formulation arising from research. H owever, g reater progress shall come from a combination of the decisive confrontation of this discriminative practice, challenging long - held beliefs and awareness creation . Currently, the so ciet y finds itself in an ageist era, and the prevalent ageist beliefs have been internalized in the people for a long time. Thus, to move forward, it is important for everyone first to acknowledge and change their attitudes towards aging. While this is the surest way out, it is also a challenging task. This is because a majority of the people are unaware of their ageist stereotypes . Therefore, in order to attain attitudinal change, self-examination is requisite.
References
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Cesari, M., Vellas, B., & Gambassi, G. (2013). The stress of aging. Experimental Gerontology , 48 (4), 451-456. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2012.10.004
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