National Network for Equitable Library Service

With incredible wit, wisdom, and thoughtfulness, author Lillian Zimmerman exposes and challenges pervasive ageist assumptions and stereotypes that continue to permeate society. She offers positive and inspirational messages in response to alarmist and apocalyptic ways of thinking, which equate population aging with exaggerated negative consequences on families, the economy, and the health care system. Her book debunks many of these socially constructed myths and stereotypes, drawing our attention to the many generous contributions that older adults make to their families and society. Building upon her own reflections and lifelong experiences, combined with research evidence and the documentation of important trends and issues, this well-written book will be of interest to a wide academic and public audience. I highly recommend it to anyone who would like a fresh view of aging. It is also a must read for scholars, policy makers and power brokers in order to re-orient and re-think the way that we currently deliver policies and programs against the backdrop of rapid population aging.