Book Review: Age Discrimination

Age Discrimination
Sue Thompson, Russell House Publishing
ISBN 1903855594, £13.95

STAR RATING: 3/5

This book states that its aim is to “raise awareness of
ageism as a discriminatory process so that its power can be
undermined.”  It goes on to urge individuals to
“promote change” and “raise awareness” in
their organisations.
Unfortunately, the book uses academic language. This alienates the
reader causing them to lose interest at an early stage,
writes Ruth Molloy.

The book is divided into four chapters which, while theoretical,
are  interspersed with personal and practice-focused exercises that
fuel further thought. The final chapter is a guide to further
learning, which is useful if you manage to get that far.

This book is interesting but feels too academic for those embarking
on an “awareness-raising” exercise. It does not focus
solely on age discrimination as it affects older people but also
considers the effects of ageism on younger people. It would have
been more useful to separate the experiences, maybe through
different chapters.
The book would be useful for those considering the issues as an
academic exercise. But it did not meet its aim of being an
awareness-raising publication.

Ruth Molloy is a senior health promotion specialist, Bolton
primary care trust, and works with older volunteers