I worked with older people in day centres, their own homes, and of every state of health and independence, and here are their stories in their voices.
Elders are doing it for themselves, skyping, emailing, creating, studying, dating, still having sex, and still having fun. Here are some fabulous stereotype busters, to remind us that older people are contributing to society in their millions, to the tune of billions of pounds each year, through public service, working, and caring for children and relatives. Even those with failing health or dementia have much more to offer than commonly assumed. Ageism is rife – but the young people’s work also included here exposes a mismatch between their experience of older people, and the picture they are getting from the media.
PRAISE FOR CHANGING AGE, CHANGING MINDS
‘Valerie Laws’ wonderful book... should mark another important milestone along the path to looking openly and honestly at what ageing means in today’s world. Valerie’s work is grounded in an essential humanity that celebrates the joy of being alive at any age.' Professor Tom Kirkwood, Director, IAH
‘I love this eloquently written, insightful, poignant and original book, a timely and inspirational counterpoint to gerontological illiteracy and prejudice. Essential reading to truly understand the complexity and richness of the lived experience of old age and the quiet dignity and resourcefulness of the large majority of older adults.’ Graham
D Rowles, Professor of Gerontology, University of Kentucky
Elders are doing it for themselves, skyping, emailing, creating, studying, dating, still having sex, and still having fun. Here are some fabulous stereotype busters, to remind us that older people are contributing to society in their millions, to the tune of billions of pounds each year, through public service, working, and caring for children and relatives. Even those with failing health or dementia have much more to offer than commonly assumed. Ageism is rife – but the young people’s work also included here exposes a mismatch between their experience of older people, and the picture they are getting from the media.
PRAISE FOR CHANGING AGE, CHANGING MINDS
‘Valerie Laws’ wonderful book... should mark another important milestone along the path to looking openly and honestly at what ageing means in today’s world. Valerie’s work is grounded in an essential humanity that celebrates the joy of being alive at any age.' Professor Tom Kirkwood, Director, IAH
‘I love this eloquently written, insightful, poignant and original book, a timely and inspirational counterpoint to gerontological illiteracy and prejudice. Essential reading to truly understand the complexity and richness of the lived experience of old age and the quiet dignity and resourcefulness of the large majority of older adults.’ Graham
D Rowles, Professor of Gerontology, University of Kentucky
