EP 31 Aging Sideways: A Guide to Overcoming Ageist Stereotypes
“See yourself as a complete human being who happens to be aging, rather than as a person whose identity is consumed by the fact that you're getting older.”
Welcome back to another inspiring episode featuring Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist, community educator, and aging wellness leader in the pro aging community who has a deep passion for older adult empowerment.
At 72, Jeanette just published Aging Sideways: Changing Our Perspectives on Getting Older where she draws on groundbreaking research, expert opinions, and personal experiences to bust the many false stereotypes about age and provides you with surprising, refreshing, “sideways” approaches for embracing getting older as well as for changing the minds of others in your life in the hope that all of us can transform our society into a truly pro-aging one –– now and for generations to come.
Jeanette explains the role of a social gerontologist, recounts her personal journey into the field inspired by caregiving for her parents, and provides strategies for aging positively.
The conversation covers the brain's adaptability as we age, the value of intergenerational collaboration, and the importance of reframing how society views aging.
Jeanette also discusses the benefits of claiming one's age proudly and offers practical advice for combating ageism through personal stories, humor, and redefining societal perceptions.
Join us as we explore the changing dynamics of our aging population, the importance of psychological resilience, and the need for respectful communication towards older adults.
It's a conversation that promises to change the way you view aging and inspire you to champion the contributions of older generations.
Visit https://www.jeanetteleardi.com to learn more about Jeanette and to purchase a copy of her book, Aging Sideways.
If you found inspiration from this conversation, we’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.
Listeners, please remember – you have so much to give – don’t let those internalized ageist beliefs prevent you from pursuing new dreams and opportunities – no matter your age.
Tune in and let's crush ageism together!
Waving from Boston – cheers!
Ande ♥
CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!
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Jeanette Leardi
Jeanette Leardi is a social gerontologist, community educator, writer, editor, public speaker, and aging wellness leader who has a passion for later life empowerment and finds special personal fulfillment helping older adults identify and share their wisdom with others.
Her decade of experiences as the primary caregiver to both of her parents inspired her encore career goals of changing perceptions about the aging process and helping people appreciate elders’ inherent dignity, wisdom, and unique value as mentors and catalysts for social change.
She accomplishes this through her publications, including her Ageful Living blog, appearances on numerous podcasts, and engaging presentations and classes on such topics as journaling, memoir writing, ethical will creation, brain fitness, health literacy, ageism, intergenerational communication, creativity, and caregiver support to people of all ages.
Leardi has a master’s degree with honors in English from Rutgers University and a graduate certificate in gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her journalism experiences include positions at Newsweek, Life, People, Condé Nast Traveler, Sesame Workshop, and The Charlotte Observer. Her articles on aging have appeared in national print and online publications.
You can learn more about her work by visiting her website at www.jeanetteleardi.com.
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