It is vitally important for retirees to get a grasp on the effects of ageism on our daily lives! Our health, happiness, and longevity depends on it. Studies abound on how elders who receive better regard do better and live longer, and that's a fact.
The attitudes that drive ageism, and the other discriminatory "isms," are so deeply ingrained in our attitudinal systems as to function out of sight.
Jill Vitali-Aussem's book is a milestone work of benefit to providers and retirees alike. It is the first giant step toward more equitable retirement living. This book is well worth the investment. Every retirement community would benefit from having a copy in the library, or a few to loan about.
Many providers operate out of an attitudinal system called the medical-model by which elders are considered to "have something wrong with them." Then, the provider's job becomes "how to fix it," and the provider acts as the expert. That sets up a power differential that is not good for the recipient. Growth and well-being does not emanate from merely fixing what is wrong.
The book demonstrates a strengths-model system in which persons talents, assets, experience, expertise, desires, and hopes are integrated into mutually collaborative interactions to enhance the strengths. Different huh? Strength model thinking is enriching for provider and recipient alike, it is forward looking and growth producing.
Let's start sharing the insights we each glean from this enlightening book, to see what we come up with.