Retired Superintendent Scolds Schools for Encouraging Ageism

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you know that ageism is alive and well in our public schools?  Schools now celebrate the first 100 days of school by encouraging children to dress up like 100-year-olds dressed in frumpy clothes, slippers and pushing walkers. Did you also know that over 6,000 female baby boomers turn 65 every day?  With those numbers come the side effects of aging- health challenges, boredom and depression.  Many older women share they often scroll through Facebook and feel like everyone is having fun but them.  Dr. Marilou Ryder, a former school superintendent and authority on women has made it her mission to ensure schools stop this demeaning activity. She posted a video across social media in addition to publishing a fierce editorial encouraging schools to end this practice that denigrates seniors and promotes a negative stereotype. Responses were rewarding, "I just didn't think much about it," reported one principal. "I plan to end these celebrations immediately."

Fueling her advocacy for women and aging she co-opted a project with her sister, Jessica Thompson to showcase senior women in a positive and optimistic light in their new book, Don't Forget Your Sweater, Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Aging with Purpose and Humor. Jessica, age 62 living on the East Coast, and Marilou, 70 on the West Coast interviewed women ages 60 and over (including two centenarians) asking them to share their hopes and dreams for the future, what makes them happy, motivated and relevant as they kick up their heels in response to the side effects of aging. 

"Resist using a walker for as long as possible," reported Joan Meister, age 88.

"Try not to dress like an old woman," said another participant. 

Every 11 seconds a senior citizen falls landing in the emergency room.  In response one woman chided, "Throw out your throw rugs and practice daily balancing skills."

Features in the book include: 

• A dozen UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Interviews.
• A collection of WISE WOMEN TIPS (Is There a Woman Doctor in the House?).
• Intriguing DAY IN THE LIFE Calendars showcasing women's daily routines
• Lively WOMENTOONS that encourage women to take a lighthearted approach to this new journey in life. 

Dr. Marilou Ryder is a retired superintendent and current professor of doctoral studies at Brandman University.  She is a speaker and authority on Women in Leadership and the author of The SeXX Factor, 92 Tips from the Trenches and Rules of the Game, an Amazon Best Seller. 

Jessica Thompson is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology and has worked as a creative designer.  Her true passion includes coaching young women in field hockey and lacrosse. Jessica lives in Naples, Florida and is an active advocate for women's issues related to aging.

Don't Forget Your Sweater, Girl-Sister to Sister Secrets for Aging with Purpose and Humor-
(Delmar Publishing)
ISBN: 978-0-9904103-3-1
Available on Amazon

CONTACT INFORMATION
Marilou Ryder, Ed.D.
760-900-0556 (cell) [email protected]
https://www.dontforgetyoursweatergirl.com/
https://youtu.be/lOX1b7KD-yI

SOURCE Dr. Marilou Ryder