Marketing messages in the media would have us believe that unless we are young and fit into a well-defined description of beauty (i.e. age, shape, athletic ability), we have no value. But, we know through research, and by surveying hundreds of thousands of older adults in America, that we have a choice about how we live and, ultimately, how we age. Many older adults report that they are the happiest they have ever been and are finding meaning and purpose in life that might have gotten overlooked in their younger years due to work and family obligations.
In our last Fireside Conversations, I shared part one of a two-part episode, “Aging in America: The Last Unchallenged Stereotype” with host Danielle Palli. In part two of this interview, we talk about the findings of psychologist Ellen Langer, discuss ageism in the media, and how we can change public policy as it relates to older adults.
By Dr. Roger Landry, MD, MPH
Dr. Roger Landry is the President of Masterpiece living and award-winning author of the book, Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging.
(Reprinted with permission of Masterpiece Living (MPL). Originally published in MPL’s bi-weekly “Fireside Conversations.”)
Read more inspiration from Dr. Landry by purchasing his book: Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging. Click here.
