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These attitudes should involve education and critical thinking. The authors suggest that young people should be educated on the nature of ageism in themselves and others, as well as in how to develop mindful approaches towards others. This is one of the things that makes this book so important to education and sociology today. Indeed, educational programs that encourage critical thinking and non-prejudiced attitudes can usefully include this book. Ageism, although in many ways differing from other forms of prejudice, has just as little right to exist in a free and fair society as racism, sexism, and others. For this reason, researchers, academics, and indeed society in general should work together to eradicate all forms of prejudice, including ageism.

There is an increasing number of older people today, with the U.S. Bureau of the Census in 1990 finding that the number of those older than 65 will probably double by 2030. Even now, twenty years later, this trend is continuing. The number of older people is growing. What I find both interesting and surprising is that ageism could still exist. I therefore think a book like this is of absolute importance to build a better society, which will provide everybody, regardless of age, gender, or race, with the opportunity to be as much as they can be and to contribute wherever they feel they are needed. Only in this way can Western society advance not only technologically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is about time that, as a society, we see that there is much to be gained from the wisdom of an older person.

Age is a fact of life. Instead of being prejudiced against the process of ageing itself and against those who are older, we should focus on celebrating every stage of life for the benefits it could bring to ourselves and to those around us. Older people, for example, have a wealth of experience to contribute to society on both a personal, political and professional level. This is reason for celebration rather than fear.