Released in March 2022, Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It by Dr Tracey Gendron discusses previously unconscious bias, challenges and opportunities of aging, treating others more equitably, and resetting expectations for getting old. The book has served as the basis for multiple programs in Newtown this year that have fallen under the “Timeless Newtown: Embracing All Generations” banner.

Among those programs is a forest bathing event at Cherry Grove Farm on September 13 and the event series finale with Dr Gendron on September 18. Registration for those events has now opened.

Free copies of Ageism Unmasked are available at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street; NYA Sports & Fitness Center, 4 Primrose Street; and Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.

Book talks cover one chapter at a time, with various people guiding each conversation.

The chapter discussions opened in mid-July at the library. Due to the launch of a major HVAC project at the library, subsequent programs have been moved to Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street.

All programs begin at 6:30 pm and while registration is requested, all will be welcome. Additional information and registration is available at 203-426-4533 or chboothlibrary.org.

As of August 14 the schedule will continue as follows:

Thursday, August 21: Chapter 5, “Era of Manipulation: Anti-Aging Culture.”

Dr Brianna Garrison, a researcher and professor of Gerontological Social Work at Southern CT State University, will lead this discussion.

Monday, August 25: Chapter 6, “The (Mis)Information Age.”

Retired educator and current Newtown Commission on Aging Chair Anne Rothstein will lead this discussion.

Wednesday, September 3: Chapter 7, “The Era of a Global Pandemic.”

Alexa Griffin LMSW, Care Navigator for Newtown Social Services, will lead this discussion.

Monday, September 15: Chapter 8, “Elderhood.”

Natalie Griffith LCSW, director of Human Services for the Town of Newtown, will lead this discussion of the book’s final chapter.

Nonfiction Book Club Talk

Additionally, the Booth Library Nonfiction Book Club has announced Ageism Unmasked as its feature for September. While the club usually meets the first Tuesday of each month, Ageism Unmasked will be discussed the second week of next month, on September 9.

(This program was originally announced for September 2. It has since been rescheduled.)

All are welcome to join the discussion, which will begin at 1 pm in the library’s Gathering Room.

Forest Bathing Registration Open

Forest Bathing led by forest therapy guide Jennifer Salkin is a free Timeless Newtown program to be offered at Cherry Grove Farm, on Palestine Road, on Saturday, September 13 (rain date Saturday, September 20), from 10 to 11 am.

Sponsored by Friends of Newtown Seniors in partnership with Newtown Forest Association, the program is limited to 12 adult participants and requires registration through C.H. Booth Library. Visit chboothlibrary.org or call 203-426-4533 to register.

For those unfamiliar with the interaction with nature, Salkin explains Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese term that translates into “taking in the forest atmosphere” or forest bathing. Forest bathing is a very relaxed, slow, and mindful way of experiencing the natural world that has many health benefits.

The health benefits, she says, come not through physical exertion but through focus on senses through a series of invitations or exercises to develop an immediate connection with the forest.

Jennifer Salkin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works at Goldstone Caregiver Center (GCC) in Danbury Hospital. The Center helps support the family and friends of patients while in the hospital and after discharge. She is a forest therapy guide certified by Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. She has a holistic approach to mental health and is also an RYT 200 certified yoga instructor and a Reiki master.

Registered participants should dress comfortably and wear walking shoes; long pants are recommended as a precaution against ticks. The group will stop many times during the 1-hour walk, which will cover a distance of about a mile. This walk is for people of all fitness levels.

‘Ageism Unmasked’ Author Program Planned

Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It enables readers to see that they tolerate, and sometimes actively promote, attitudes and behaviors toward differently aged people that most would reject and condemn if applied to any other group. It peels back the layers to expose how cultural norms and unconscious prejudices have seeped into most people’s lives, silently shaping treatment of others based on their age and misconceptions about aging — and themselves.

The book uncovers ageism’s roots, impact, and how everyone can create a new reality of elderhood.

Offering an all-inclusive approach, Gendron reveals the biases behind the false understanding of aging, sharing powerful opportunities for personal growth along with strategies to help create an anti-ageist society.

Dr Tracey Gendron serves as chair for Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Gerontology. She earned a master’s degree in Gerontology, a master’s degree in Psychology, and a PhD in Developmental Psychology.

With over 25 years of experience as a gerontologist, Gendron has authored and co-authored over 30 manuscripts and seven book chapters on ageism and aging-related topics. She is frequently quoted in popular media outlets, including The New York Times, HuffPost, and U.S. News and World Report.

Gendron has spoken about ageism in forums across America and can also be seen and heard as a guest speaker on numerous podcasts and video productions, particularly highlighting those understudied and underrepresented.

Gendron will be the special guest at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, on Thursday, September 18, for the Timeless Newtown series finale. The author talk program will begin at 7 pm. A Q&A will follow her presentation.

A Meet & Greet and book signing opportunities will follow.

Admission is free but tickets are required. Visit friendsofnewtownseniors.org/special-events/ to register.