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Field Dispatch

Kicking Stereotypes to the Curb with Ashton Applewhite

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Ageism does its best to stereotype older women (and men) as invisible, unhappy, and dependent. The message is: "If you think life sucks now, just wait because the longer you live, the worse it's going to get." Yikes!But Ashton Applewhite, age advocate and author of "This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism," shakes down the myths of ageism and showers listeners with the facts. You may be surprised and definitely encouraged. Here are some facts that may surprise you:  

  • Only 2.5% of Americans 65+ live in nursing homes
  • Older people enjoy better mental health than the young or middle-aged
  • Serious mental decline is not an inevitable part of aging.

So, put in your earbuds and listen to my interview with Ashton Applewhite.