Aging Sideways: Rewriting the Story of Growing Older

with Jeanette Leardi,

Social Gerontologist, Community Educator, Public Speaker, and Author

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes social gerontologist Jeanette Leardi, social gerontologist, community educator, public speaker, and author of the recently published book, “Aging Sideways: Changing Our Perspectives on Getting Older.” During the conversation, Jeanette discusses strategies for positive aging, including being flexible, skeptical, broad-minded, and daring. Jeanette also addresses ageism, sharing personal experiences of combating stereotypes, such as writing to a greeting card company to protest age-discriminatory cards. She emphasizes the “power of one” – how individuals can make meaningful changes by speaking out against age-related discrimination. Key takeaways include the importance of intergenerational relationships, challenging negative aging stereotypes, recognizing older adults as valuable, resilient contributors to society, and so much more.

Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Jeanette’s Path to Gerontology (2:22)
  • Defining Social Gerontology (4:27)
  • Challenging Aging Stereotypes and Dementia Myths (5:17)
  • The Concept of “Aging Sideways” (6:18)
  • Strategy #1: Flexibility and Humor (8:40)
  • Strategy #2: Skepticism and Reframing Narratives (10:33)
  • Strategy #3: Broad-Mindedness and “Yes, And” (12:21)
  • Strategy #4: Daring and Intergenerational Relationships (14:09)
  • Metaphors: Weeds and “Over the Hill” (17:16)
  • Resilience and Mastery in Aging (20:05)
  • The Power of One: Advocacy and Change (22:16)
  • Influence in Everyday Life and Media (26:09)
  • Resources for Combating Ageism (29:12)
  • Competency vs. Age Limits (34:23)
  • Connecting with Jeanette at jeanetteleardi.com (37:14)
  • Abundant Aging Questions to Close (37:47)
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:49)

 

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

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