The Age of Dignity - by Ai-Jen Poo (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In The Age of Dignity, thought leader and activist Ai-jen Poo offers a wake-up call about the demographic reality that will affect us all. "We have more senior citizens in America today than we've had at any time in our history," Poo writes, pointing out that more than 14 percent of our population is now over sixty-five; by 2030 that ratio will be one in five. In fact, our fastest-growing demographic is the eighty -five-plus age group-over 5 million people now, a number that is expected to more than double in the next twenty years. This change presents us with a new challenge: how we care for and support quality of life for the unprecedented numbers of older Americans who will need it.

Despite these daunting numbers, Poo has written a profoundly hopeful book, giving us a glimpse into the stories and often hidden experiences of the people-family caregivers, older people, and home care workers-whose lives will be directly shaped and reshaped in this moment of demographic change. The Age of Dignity outlines a road map for how we can become a more caring nation, providing solutions for fixing our fraying safety net while also increasing opportunities for women, immigrants, and the unemployed in our workforce. As Poo has said, "Care is the strategy and the solution toward a better future for all of us."

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

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.