Overview

Articles appear frequently about individuals whose age is noted as a feature of their activism, but the activism of seniors as a growing and influential part of the population is not found in a book. The speed of change, the expansion of the senior demographic, the growth of citizen participation, and the constant visual images reminding us of these factors, tell us that it is time for a new book, with a new focus. Whatever one’s political view, there is consensus in recognizing that we are living in a time of tremendous change, when traditionally trusted institutions and cultural mores are questioned and seriously challenged. It is a time when more and more individuals feel a need to do something, something about issues that concern them, something that makes them aware of the need for a sense of control in a world in chaos, something that makes them aware of their own strength, power, and the value of the wisdom that comes with age. In a time when social media make shallow “clicktivists” of so many, the people in our book are true activists. Their dedication crosses all societal lines – ethnic, political, religious, and socio-economic. Some have always considered themselves activists. Some find that this stage of life brings a new perspective that results in the need to do more than say. They tell us, in their own words the what, why, and meaning of their specific activism. Time, for them, holds opportunity even as aging brings a sense of urgency. Their passion and outlooks are fascinating and, in many ways, inspirational. For some, their activism provides one answer to the question, “Why am I (still) here?” and immediate reasons to get up in the morning.

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9781538126974

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"Now is the best time for baby boomers to volunteer for the causes they were passionate about when they entered adulthood, such as the environment, gender and racial equality, poverty, peace, and social injustice. Read How Seniors Are Saving the World for a great source of inspiration and information. Thelma Reese and BJ Kittredge bring to light the untold stories of seniors whose challenges ultimately turned them into luminaries. These profiles will bring inspiration and a sense of possibility to all who read this book with the knowledge that retirement is a word we can finally retire. Don't be fooled by their appearances. The heroes of this inspiring book may look like typical retirees, but their actions are changing the world. These men and women build a sense ofcommunity in their towns and teach prisoners how to express themselves in the arts. They march on Washington and start new programs to treat PTSD. They teach medical classes, writechildren's books, and mentor teens. The authors have chosen seniors who represent a wide variety of backgrounds, training, and experiences. In their profiles, the subjects talk about the origins of their activism and their journeys from childhood to passion to employment. Recurring themes include how often unexpected events and opportunities reshaped their lives and the importance of being open to new adventures. Reese and Kittredge emphasize positive movements and encourage readers to use their own talents and interests for a greater good. In doing so, readers may find the purpose and socialization they're seeking. At the end of each profile, a ""How To Connect!"" segment lists helpful websites, films, and organizations. Retirees looking for direction will be energized."

Don't be fooled by their appearances. The heroes of this inspiring book may look like typical retirees, but their actions are changing the world. These men and women build a sense ofcommunity in their towns and teach prisoners how to express themselves in the arts. They march on Washington and start new programs to treat PTSD. They teach medical classes, writechildren's books, and mentor teens. The authors have chosen seniors who represent a wide variety of backgrounds, training, and experiences. In their profiles, the subjects talk about the origins of their activism and their journeys from childhood to passion to employment. Recurring themes include how often unexpected events and opportunities reshaped their lives and the importance of being open to new adventures. Reese and Kittredge emphasize positive movements and encourage readers to use their own talents and interests for a greater good. In doing so, readers may find the purpose and socialization they're seeking. At the end of each profile, a How To Connect! segment lists helpful websites, films, and organizations. Retirees looking for direction will be energized.-- Booklist Now is the best time for baby boomers to volunteer for the causes they were passionate about when they entered adulthood, such as the environment, gender and racial equality, poverty, peace, and social injustice. Read How Seniors Are Saving the World for a great source of inspiration and information.--Steve Vernon, author of Retirement Game-Changers Thelma Reese and BJ Kittredge bring to light the untold stories of seniors whose challenges ultimately turned them into luminaries. These profiles will bring inspiration and a sense of possibility to all who read this book with the knowledge that retirement is a word we can finally retire.--Sandra Crowe, MA, PCC Author Since Strangling Isn't an Option...

"Now is the best time for baby boomers to volunteer for the causes they were passionate about when they entered adulthood, such as the environment, gender and racial equality, poverty, peace, and social injustice. Read How Seniors Are Saving the World for a great source of inspiration and information.--Steve Vernon, author of ""Retirement Game-Changers"" Thelma Reeseand BJ Kittredge bring to light the untold stories of seniors whose challenges ultimately turned them into luminaries. These profileswill bring inspiration and a sense of possibility to all who read this book with the knowledge that retirement is a word we can finally retire.--Sandra Crowe, MA, PCC Author ""Since Strangling Isn't an Option..."" Don't be fooled by their appearances. The heroes of this inspiring book may look like typical retirees, but their actions are changing the world. These men and women build a sense ofcommunity in their towns and teach prisoners how to express themselves in the arts. They march on Washington and start new programs to treat PTSD. They teach medical classes, writechildren's books, and mentor teens. The authors have chosen seniors who represent a wide variety of backgrounds, training, and experiences. In their profiles, the subjects talk about the origins of their activism and their journeys from childhood to passion to employment. Recurring themes include how often unexpected events and opportunities reshaped their lives and the importance of being open to new adventures. Reese and Kittredge emphasize positive movements and encourage readers to use their own talents and interests for a greater good. In doing so, readers may find the purpose and socialization they're seeking. At the end of each profile, a ""How To Connect!"" segment lists helpful websites, films, and organizations. Retirees looking for direction will be energized. -- ""Booklist"""

Now is the best time for baby boomers to volunteer for the causes they were passionate about when they entered adulthood, such as the environment, gender and racial equality, poverty, peace, and social injustice. Read How Seniors Are Saving the World for a great source of inspiration and information.--Steve Vernon, author of Retirement Game-Changers

Author Information

Thelma Reese, EdD, retired professor of English and of Education, created the Advisory Council for Hooked on Phonics and was its spokesperson in the 1990's. In that role, and as director of the Mayor's Commission on Literacy for the City of Philadelphia, she appeared frequently on television and hosted a cable show in Philadelphia. She was a founder of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, chaired the Board of Children’s Literacy Initiative, and organized the World Symposium on Family Literacy at UNESCO in Paris in 1994. She is a member of the national organization Life Planning Network and of her local Positive Aging group. She is co-author, with Barbara Fleisher, of The New Senior Woman: Reinventing the Years Beyond Mid-Life and The New Senior Man: Exploring New Horizons, New Opportunities, both published by Rowman & Littlefield and has been an invited speaker at senior centers, senior living communities, and community centers about both books. She founded and maintains the ElderChicks blog. A mother and grandmother, she lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Harvey Reese, author and artist, and spends part of the year in San Mateo, California. BJ Kittredge, MEd, is a retired consultant to the health care industry. Her professional career began in the public-school classroom where she taught elementary, middle and high school. She was selected for the N. J. Department of Education Academy for the Advancement of Teaching and Management. She served as chair of a district-wide K-12 science curriculum development project and was a Geraldine R. Dodge fellow at Wesleyan University. She moved from the academic sphere into operations in a major Philadelphia accounting firm and then a small publishing company. From there she was the first Director of Training and Development in the member services division of US Healthcare. There she worked on the design and implementation of the department transition to self-directed teams. She authored and delivered original management training, Speakeasy communication skills programs, operations manuals for new IT systems and a system for performance evaluation. She is the widow of Patrick W. Kittredge, Esq., and is a proud mother and grandmother.

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