Trinity Spiritual Ctr to Host Speaker on Ageism

SOUTHPORT, CT – Trinity Spiritual Center will host an exclusive livestream event with the globe-trotting writer and expert on ageism Ashton Applewhite, on Thursday, May 6th at 7:30 PM. Ms. Applewhite will address a topic with universal relevance in a world of longer lives: How can we make age bias as unacceptable as any other form of prejudice? The event is free and open to all.

The author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, Applewhite is a leading thought leader recognized by many media outlets as an expert on ageism. In her view, age bias cuts work lives short, stunts our sense of self and place in the world, and harms our health. Further, she advances that attitudes towards aging affect how our minds and bodies function at the cellular level.

The event will open with a screening of Ms. Applewhite’s TED Talk, “Let’s End Ageism” that currently has nearly 1.65 million views. A moderated discussion will be followed by Q&A with the audience. To come prepared, check out her website, Yo, Is This Ageist? blog, and book, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, described as “One of the 100 best books to read at every age.”

The discussion will focus on debunking myths and negative stereotypes that distort our perception of later life and devalue the no-longer-young. Applewhite’s mission—to inform and support the emerging global anti-ageism movement—could not be more timely: according to current projections, by 2060, the number of Americans over 65 will more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million, and the fastest growing age group of all will be over 85. Based on those stats, population aging is likely a permanent, global, demographic trend.

“All prejudice relies on othering – seeing a group of people as other than ourselves,” says Applewhite. “The strange thing about ageism is that the ‘other’ in this case is us—our own future selves.”

Trinity Spiritual Center is pleased to host this event as the third in a year-long series of open conversations on contemporary issues that impact our community. While there is no charge for the participation in this event, registration is required (details below).

“We are excited to welcome Ashton Applewhite to our community and eagerly await her thoughts on how we can reframe our thinking and behaviors so that we experience well-being, deeper connections, and greater meaning and purpose as we age,” Peggy Hodgkins, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church says. “We welcome our friends everywhere to join us for a very special event.”

Director Mark Grayson adds, “We all know someone who has been blocked from an opportunity, has not received proper care, or has been excluded for no other reason than their age. Ashton Applewhite reminds us that this behavior is a dangerous form discrimination that too often goes unreported. In a society where individuals are living longer, healthier lives, it’s high time that we tackle this form of systemic bias that affects every one of us.”

WHAT:           Renowned Writer and Activist Ashton Applewhite Livestream Event:
                      “How Our Negative Attitudes Towards Aging Are Literally Killing Us”
WHEN:           Thursday, May 6, 7:30 p.m.
COST:            Free
REGISTER:     https://tinyurl.com/tscmay6
QUESTIONS:  Call the Church at (203) 255-0454


About Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is located in the historic seaside district of Southport at 651 Pequot Avenue (at Center Street) and welcomes seekers of all denominations. Trinity’s mission is to provide a vibrant 21st century Episcopal community that inspires spiritual growth, nurtures genuine connections and promotes charitable service.

About Trinity Spiritual Center

Trinity Spiritual Center is a dynamic and growing community of people of all ages and beliefs, engaging in a broad range of learning experiences to inspire and support their own journeys of spiritual growth. It offers programs and practices that inspire and engage the greater community.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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