Karl Pillemer, PhD
We are excited to bring you the latest installment of our Elder Justice Podcast Series focusing on topics at the intersection of ageism and elder abuse. This new podcast features an interview with sociologist Karl Pillemer, PhD, a Professor of Human Development at Cornell University and Professor of Gerontology in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.
In this podcast, Dr. Pillemer draws on his years of work in the fields of aging and elder abuse to illustrate the severity of ageism in our society, point to ways ageism holds back our attempts to create elder justice and describe how his Legacy Project can be used in preventing ageism.
Click here to visit iTunes & download the Ageism & Elder Justice Podcast.
“The fact that we have strong stereotypes and prejudice based on a single ascribed status – chronological age – gets in the way of our attempts to provide a just society for older people.” –Karl Pillemer
Dr. Pillemer created The Legacy Project in 2004 by collecting practical advice for living directly from America’s older adults. He and his research team use several different methods and have gathered nearly 1500 responses to the question of “What are the most important lessons you have learned over the course of your life?” As a result, older adults from across the country and beyond have shared their wisdom for living. Their advice ranges from how to be happy on a daily basis, the secrets to a successful marriage, tips on raising children, ways to have a fulfilling career, strategies for dealing with illness and loss, and how to grow old fearlessly and well.
The book on the project, 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans was named to the list of “Best Self-Help Books of 2011″ by Library Journal.
For more information about The Legacy Project, please click here.
All installments of our Podcast Series are available on iTunes and feature interviews with elder justice professionals from a wide range of disciplines, with the goal of providing you with interesting and helpful information about policy, practice, research and education. Interviews are focused on successes and challenges relevant to the elder justice field.
Please let us know what you would like to hear about in future podcasts! It is easy to reach us through our website’s Contact page.
by Cara Kenien, LMSW, MPA, Social Media Manager, NYCEAC
Cara, this was a terrific podcast with Dr. Pillemer! I plan to think on the positive side of my experience with elder abuse. My elderly neighbor, Miss D truly has been a source of strength and continues to give me and others good advice.
Neighbor Nancy
Hi Nancy – thanks so very much for your comment. I am so glad you like the podcast! Thank you for highlighting the strength and wisdom that exists within your and Ms. D’s story. Looking forward to continuing the conversation! Have a great week.
The data point that Americans are more likely to have a close personal friend of different race than friend one who is 10 years older or younger staggered me when I heard it from Dr. Pillemer at a journalism seminar in 2012 and it still floors me. We need an intergenerational Affirmative Action program! Thanks for drawing attention to this important issue.
Hi Ashton! So great to hear from you! Thank you for your powerful comment and all you do to fight ageism. The Intergenerational Affirmative Action program is a great idea. Looking forward to continuing this conversation. Have a great week and thank you again!
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