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Social Science Gerontology

Did You Just Call Me Old Lady?

A Ninety-Year-Old Tells Why Aging Is Positive

by (author) Lillian Zimmerman

foreword by Bonnie Sherr Klein

Publisher
Fernwood Publishing
Initial publish date
Oct 2016
Category
Gerontology
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781552668979
    Publish Date
    Oct 2016
    List Price
    $18.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781552669075
    Publish Date
    Oct 2016
    List Price
    $17.99

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Description

 

Did You Just Call Me Old Lady? is an upbeat look at aging and the impacts of Canada’s increasingly aged population through the eyes of a ninety-year-old woman. Far from seeing older citizens as a burden and a strain on our public health care system, Lillian Zimmerman gracefully, and often humourously, argues that long-livers are able to live fulfilling lives and make valuable contributions to society.

Zimmerman illustrates how prevalent ageism - the dislike and prejudice against old people - is in society, media and popular culture, showing how language, advertisements for products to alleviate bodily failings, and jokes about memory loss and sexual infirmity are all examples of ageism, inevitably framing and fuelling negative attitudes towards older people. Ageism, much like sexism and racism, needs to be part of the conversations around social justice and anti-oppression.

Zimmerman also recognizes that there are huge challenges to aging, some of which she has experienced herself, and that serious illnesses, mental deficiencies, low income and isolation are realities for some seniors. However, Zimmerman’s analysis shows that many of these problems result from inefficient management and poor policies.

 

About the authors

 

Lillian Zimmerman holds a B.A. from Simon Fraser University and a master of social work from the University of British Columbia. She was born in Montreal but has lived most of her life in Vancouver. She has two children and four adult grandchildren.

 

Lillian Zimmerman's profile page

Bonnie Sherr Klein is an award—winning documentary filmmaker and writer. She is a recipient of a Governor General's Commemorative Medal, and was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband Michael, and moves through the world on Gladys, her motorized scooter. 

Bonnie Sherr Klein's profile page

Editorial Reviews

 

“With incredible wit, wisdom and thoughtfulness, author Lillian Zimmerman exposes and challenges pervasive ageist assumptions and stereotypes that continue to permeate society.”

 

Barbara A. Mitchell, Simon Fraser University