The Age Of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America

Description

Now in paperback: Ai-Jen Poo, one of TIME's '100 Most Influential People' shows how governments and carers can work together to ensure that the elderly are able to age with dignity, security and independence. Interweaving her own personal stories with those of pensioners and caregivers across America, Ai-jen Poo allows us a glimpse into the often hidden lives of seniors, as well as insight into the lives of those we pay to take care of them. The Age of Dignity is a clarion call for fairness and empathy toward both our elders and their caregivers.

Ai-jen Poo is the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and a co-director of the Caring Across Generations campaign. Her accolades include the Ms. Foundation Woman of Vision Award, Newsweek's 150 Fearless Women list, and Time's list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. She lives in New York.

"A big-hearted book [that] seeks to transform our dismal view of aging and caregiving." Ms. Magazine "This book is a starter for conversations that are long overdue. If you are someone's child, a spouse, or concerned about yourself someday, The Age of Dignity will give you food for thought." The Philadelphia Tribune "Poo's positive and inclusive approach is particularly appealing [O]ffers a critical and complementary perspective on this important issue." The New York Times "[P]rovides an accessible and heartfelt look at a major problem looming for the United States how we will care for baby boomer generation as it rapidly ages." Colorlines "This book fills a crucial gap in existing literature: it is now the foremost writing that demonstrates the interconnectedness of elder care issues with the rights of women, immigrants, and all workers." Feministing "This can-do book by an activist seeking to rouse the public into action has a lot to say to anyone who plans on getting old." Kirkus Reviews "Thoughtful, moving, and relatable, with numerous personal and professional anecdotes, Poo delivers a concise discussion recommended for readers interested in the social sciences or elder care." Library Journal "A strong argument for a cultural and governmental shift toward valuing older citizens and providing them with opportunities for rich, full lives." Publishers Weekly "People getting older is not a crisis, it's a blessing. That is the message of The Age of Dignity, an urgent and irresistible book by Ai-jen Poo. To benefit from this blessing of experience that comes with longer life expectancy, we'll need more well-paid and expert home care workers. In just the next four years, that demand will increase by more than 90 percent. This gives you some idea why every American should read this slender book. With luck, it will be the future for all of us." Gloria Steinem