Are Aging Bursts the New Growth Spurts?
Everyone is familiar with the concept of growth spurts – short periods of rapid physical growth among maturing children and adolescents. Interestingly, Stanford University recently identified another kind of swift corporeal change common to humans – the aging burst. Research found that aging is not, in fact, a gradual process. Rather, older adults experience accelerated maturation cycles at two distinct times, typically occurring at 44 and 60 years of age.
Negotiator in Chief Lands Lower Costs for Senior Drugs
In addition to successfully negotiating the recent release of hostages unlawfully held in Russia, the Biden administration completed an unprecedented agreement to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. NPR reports that the first tranche of negotiated medications include crucial diabetes, cancer, blood clot, and arthritis treatments. The expected savings to taxpayers and Medicare will total billions.
A Horror Movie About Ageism in the Workplace–And No, It’s Not a Documentary
A new movie focused on ageism in the workplace melds sci-fi and horror as protagonist Demi Moore pursues cloning science to create a younger and more perfect version of herself. Covered by The Hollywood Reporter, the film also stars Randy Quaid and is directed by Cannes Award-winner Coralie Fargeat.
With Age Comes Wisdom–For Real
A lot has been said about age in the past few months with a harsh spotlight cast on President Biden. The prevailing theme is that assumed age-related decline is worse than assumed criminal record.
However, studies show that aging and cognitive decline are not necessarily synonymous. In fact, mature adults tend to gain greater leadership qualities. Spotlighting several studies, Fortune reports on key advantages older people have over those years younger, including broadened and more reasoned perspective and even resiliency. Case in point: One study of 1,000 people aged 18–76, revealed that during the early days of the pandemic, older adults reported more resilience than younger people.
In with the “Old”
“A rose is a rose is a rose,” wrote author Gertrude Stein in her 1913 poem, “Sacred Emily.” Her point: It is as it appears. Any word can be substituted for “rose” and the construct will hold true. Just as, old is old is old. It is what it is. Period. Yet, our ageist society has essentially banished the word from common parlance.
Geritas Spotlights Roctogenarians, a New Book by Mo Rocca
“Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs,” by CBS Sunday morning correspondent Mo Rocca, is a heartening anthology of individuals whose second acts are just as inspiring as their first. Rocca features artists, activists, architects, and athletes, and one actual rock star, Queen guitarist Brian May, who earned his PhD in astrophysics at age 60. The collection also includes cautionary tales about those who fell (some quite hard) from grace in the latter part of their lives. We see you Rudy Giuliani.
Movie Focuses on Elder Fraud and Age-Irrelevant Relationships
This week we’re recommending the movie “Thelma,” starring the formidable and delightful 94-year-old June Squibb. Part Mission Impossible, part Harold and Maude, it’s a comedy with something serious to say—about elder fraud and the value of intergenerational connection. Question: Are all badass women named Thelma?
Follow the link below to see Roger Ebert’s review.
Friends with Benefits
No, not that kind. The kind that comes with multi-generational insights, shared experiences, and humor. The New York Times reports on the mutually positive effects and surprising benefits that can arise when youngsters and oldsters hang out and cultivate friendship.
Money Talks
Plot twist: The Wall Street Journal reports that consumers age 65+ are the economy’s silver bullet.
October 7 Is Ageism Awareness Day
We salute efforts to support ageism awareness. However, it seems that setting aside one day is not nearly enough.
The Counter-Intuitiveness of Aging Exuberantly
One secret: Generations don’t have to be separated by gaps. The New York Times reports that with good communication, wisdom and insights can flow reciprocally from young to old.
Perfection Isn’t Always Perfect
Barbie movie is more than just a romp in a bubble-gum colored fantasyland. In one of the most profound - and pro-aging - onscreen moments, Barbie turns to an elderly woman at a bus-stop bench and tells her she’s beautiful. The woman replies, “I know.” Greta Gerwig talks to Variety about why this scene is the heart of the movie.
A Village By Any Other Name…
It takes a village, as we all know, but what does that village look like for those suffering from dementia? The New York Times reports on ‘dementia villages,’ which are becoming the future of home care, offering multi-dimensional services and care.
From ‘Material Girl’ to Immaterial Woman?
NPR reports that Madonna calls out ageism as critics deride her new look.