This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism

By Ashton Applewhite

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4.5)

A Bold Call to Action to Challenge Age Discrimination

A revolutionary look at ageism and how to create an inclusive world for every generation.

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Why This Book?

Aging is a natural process, yet society often treats it as a problem to be solved. “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” by Ashton Applewhite challenges this narrative by shining a spotlight on ageism—one of the least acknowledged and most pervasive forms of discrimination. The book dismantles age-related stereotypes and offers readers actionable tools to combat these biases, both individually and collectively.

This book is particularly significant as it addresses an issue that impacts everyone, regardless of age, because how we view aging influences how we treat others and how we see ourselves as we grow older. In a world where the population is aging faster than ever, with nearly 2 billion people projected to be over 60 years old by 2050, the book serves as a wake-up call to rethink how we approach aging and age-related policies.

The book is suitable for a broad audience, including:

Older Adults: Those navigating the challenges of aging in an ageist society.
Midlife Professionals: Individuals who may face workplace biases due to age.
Young Adults: Those looking to reshape the future by confronting inherited stereotypes.
Caregivers and Family Members: To understand the systemic biases affecting their loved ones.
Advocates and Policymakers: Professionals in healthcare, HR, or social work who influence policies and practices related to aging.

In a single sentence: “This Chair Rocks” is a manifesto that encourages readers to see aging as an empowering journey and equips them with the tools to challenge the societal norms that stigmatize it.

About the Author

Ashton Applewhite is a globally recognized activist, author, and thought leader on ageism. Her journey into this field began with a personal realization—she had absorbed ageist attitudes from society, which influenced her views about her own aging process. This introspection led her to research and write extensively about ageism, eventually becoming one of the most prominent voices advocating for age inclusivity.

Applewhite’s work has been featured in major publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. She has also delivered keynote speeches at renowned events like the United Nations, the TED Mainstage, and the American Society on Aging.

Her motivation to write “This Chair Rocks” stemmed from her belief that addressing ageism is essential to creating a more equitable world. She argues that by dismantling age-related stereotypes, we can foster greater empathy, intergenerational collaboration, and personal empowerment.

In addition to “This Chair Rocks", Applewhite is the author of "Cutting Loose: Why Women Who End Their Marriages Do So Well", which explores societal attitudes toward divorced women and highlights their resilience.

Book Overview

Publication Details	Year Published: 2019 Publisher: Celadon Books
Format Availability	Formats Available: Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and eBook
Main Focus	The book explores the origins, implications, and solutions to ageism. It is divided into easily digestible sections that combine engaging storytelling with rigorous research, making it both accessible and informative. Applewhite uses real-world examples, personal anecdotes, and data-driven insights to paint a vivid picture of how ageism manifests in various aspects of life, from workplaces to media and healthcare.

Publication Details

Year Published: 2019
Publisher: Celadon Books

Format Availability

Formats Available: Hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and eBook

Main Focus

The book explores the origins, implications, and solutions to ageism. It is divided into easily digestible sections that combine engaging storytelling with rigorous research, making it both accessible and informative. Applewhite uses real-world examples, personal anecdotes, and data-driven insights to paint a vivid picture of how ageism manifests in various aspects of life, from workplaces to media and healthcare.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Understanding Ageism:

Ageism is a practice where discrimination is based purely on age. Applewhite explains how it affects both young and older people. She traces its roots back to cultural and economic changes, such as the emergence of industry that marginalized less young workers and created a culture where being youthful was optimal.

2. Myth-Busting Stereotypes:

The book debunks pervasive myths, including:

Older people are less flexible and less productive,
Aging will become unable to do anything physically and mentally,
Older adults cannot do anything for society and are a burden for it.

Applewhite in her book and research illustrates how not regardless of whether stereotypes are claimed to be false, they have negative consequences that come into play when policies or actions are taken for or against older adults.

3. Internalized Ageism:

One of the most compelling themes is how individuals internalize ageism leading to inaccurate self beliefs. People are sowing the seed of ageism as the norm and discouraging pride in one’s experience. Applewhite believes this need to change and attempts to persuade people to reconsider their own views. For instance she encourages people to feel empowered by their life experiences rather than feel embarrassed about their graying hair or feel anxious about their birthdays.

4. Intersectionality in Ageism:

The author makes an attempt to deliberate that ageism is intertwined with other forms of discrimination, such as sexism, racism, and ableism. For example, older women are frequently assessed by both their age and their looks. Applewhite’s analysis of these intersections is a significant addition to her case.

5. The Role of Advocacy:

Applewhite advocates a fundamental change, for example, encouraging the ‘media’ to be more respectful towards aging individuals. She provides practical action points and steps for her readers to engage with in order to become advocates of the cause.

Practical Applications

The points made by Applewhite do not remain hypothetical, but rather are meant to be put into practice. Some ways as to how to use them in everyday life are explained:

Reframing Aging: Commence with self reflection and critique of oneself, as biases are detrimental. For instance, rather than responding in a fashion saying, “I’m too old for this,” rather respond, “I have the experience to excel at this.”
Promoting Intergenerational Collaboration: Encourage workplaces and communities to create opportunities for people of different ages to work together, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Combatting Media Bias: Support media outlets and brands that portray aging in a positive light. For example, advocate for diverse representations in advertisements and TV shows.
Language Matters: Avoid ageist language, such as “anti-aging,” and instead embrace terms like “pro-aging” or “age-positive.”
Community Engagement: Join or support organizations working to combat ageism, such as the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities initiative.

Strengths of the Book

1. Engaging and Relatable:

Applewhite’s conversational tone makes complex topics easy to understand and connect with. She combines humor, empathy, and honesty to keep readers engaged.

2. Rich in Research and Data:

The book is packed with well-sourced data and insights, giving it both credibility and depth. Applewhite seamlessly blends academic research with personal stories, creating a balanced narrative.

3. Empowering and Actionable:

Readers leave the book feeling inspired to make changes, whether by shifting their own mindsets or advocating for larger systemic reforms.

Critique and Limitations

1. Western-Centric Focus:

While the book addresses universal themes, its examples and solutions are primarily rooted in Western contexts. A more global perspective could have made the book even more inclusive.

2. Repetition of Key Points:

Some readers might find the repetition of certain ideas, such as the harmful effects of internalized ageism, to be overly emphasized.

What Made This Book Popular?

1. Sales Success:

The book became a bestseller shortly after its release, reflecting its relevance and resonance with readers.

2. Critical Acclaim:

This Chair Rocks received glowing reviews from major publications and endorsements from organizations like AARP, which praised its originality and impact.

3. Impact on Readers:

The book has been rated highly on platforms like Amazon (4.6/5) and Goodreads (4.4/5). Readers frequently describe it as “eye-opening” and “life-changing.”

4. Cultural Influence:

The book has contributed to the growing age-positivity movement, inspiring initiatives like intergenerational housing projects and age-inclusive workplace policies.

Comparison with Similar Books

Compared to works like Susan Jacoby’s “Never Say Die", which focuses on the challenges of aging, Applewhite’s book offers a more hopeful and action-oriented perspective. Similarly, while Marc Freedman’s “How to Live Forever" emphasizes intergenerational connections, “This Chair Rocks” provides a broader critique of societal structures perpetuating ageism.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. It is particularly relevant for:

Older Adults: To reclaim their narrative and push back against societal stereotypes.
Caregivers and Family Members: To better support loved ones.
Professionals in Healthcare and HR: To create age-friendly policies and practices.
Younger Generations: To build a future free of the biases they’ve inherited.

Memorable Quotes or Excerpts

“Aging is not a problem to be fixed or a disease to be cured. It is a natural, powerful, lifelong process that unites us all.”
“The more you know about aging, the less you fear it.”
“It’s time to challenge the assumptions that keep us tethered to a youth-obsessed culture.”

Conclusion

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism is a transformative read that shifts perceptions and inspires action. Ashton Applewhite’s passionate arguments and practical advice make it a vital resource for anyone ready to challenge ageism and create a more inclusive society.