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Chapters

Reading and Resources for Elder Justice - A Citizen's Guide

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Instructor: Lisa Nerenberg

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Books

​Applewhite, A. (2019). This chair rocks: A manifesto against ageism. Celadon Books. (Applewhite also hosts a website of the same name at https://thischairrocks.com/.

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Butler, R. N. (1975). Why grow old in America? New York: Harper & Row.

 

Gullette, M. M. (2024). American eldercide: How it happened, how to prevent it. University of Chicago Press.

 

Nerenberg, L. (2019). Elder justice, ageism, and elder abuse. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

 

Nerenberg, L. (2007). Elder abuse prevention: Emerging trends and promising strategies. Springer Publishing Company.

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Rosen, J. (2024). The pursuit of happiness: How classical writers on virtue inspired the lives of the founders and defined America. Simon & Schuster.

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Pranis, K. (2005). The little book of circle processes: A new/old approach to peacemaking. Good Books.

 

Pranis, K., Stuart, B., & Wedge, M. (2003). Peacemaking circles: From conflict to community. Living Justice Press.

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Sweetland, J., Volmert, A. E., & O’Neil, M. (2017). Finding the frame: An empirical approach to reframing aging and ageism. Washington DC: FrameWorks Institute.

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Additional Resources

California Elder Justice Coalition (CEJC). ElderJusticeCal.org. Information on restorative justice can be found by going to “LEARN” on the banner, scrolling down to “Toolkits,” and clicking on “Restorative Approaches to Elder Justice.” You can also use the direct link https://www.elderjusticecal.org/restorative-approaches-to-elder-abuse.html

 

Human Values in Aging: Newsletter produced by the Fielding Graduate University and edited by H.R. Moody. It’s motto is “Change the World. Start with Yours.” It contains items of interest about positive aging and quotations and brief and timely announcements. To view a copy, visit bit.ly/43iwoVT. To subscribe, contact  hrmoody@yahoo.com

 

Protective and Supportive Services

California Adult Protective Services (APS)

These county programs are responsible for investigating and addressing reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults (age 60 and older) and dependent adults (ages 18-59 with physical or mental limitations) who live in the community (as opposed to those in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities). Reports can be made by family members, neighbors, caregivers, financial institutions, or mandated reporters (e.g., healthcare workers, social workers, law enforcement). APS operates on a voluntary participation model, meaning adults have the right to accept or refuse services unless they are legally deemed incapable of making decisions. To report a case of abuse to APS in your area, call: 1-833-401-0832 and when prompted enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You can also find websites for local APS programs at California County APS Program Websites List or bit.ly/3EXebDl

 

Aging Services

You can find a wide range of other community services at the website Find Services in my County at https://aging.ca.gov/Find_Services_in_My_County/

This site includes phone numbers for services in every county and an interactive map that directs users to specific services and resources in their communities, including:

  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs – These programs advocate for residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities. They address complaints related to abuse, neglect, and quality of care and promote residents' rights and well-being.

  • Assistance with Insurance Programs – This service helps older adults navigate health insurance options, including Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental insurance plans. It provides guidance on enrollment, coverage, and benefits.

  • Legal Assistance Programs – These programs offer free or low-cost legal help to seniors, addressing issues such as elder rights, estate planning, fraud prevention, and guardianship concerns.

  • Health and Social Services – These services support older adults' well-being through programs like senior centers, meal delivery (e.g., Meals on Wheels), transportation assistance, and in-home support to promote independence and quality of life.

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Model Programs

Third Act 

Community of Americans over sixty determined to change the world for the better through working groups that are volunteer-run and organized by affinity or by geographic location “Third Act harnesses unparalleled generational power to safeguard our climate and democracy.”

Website: https://thirdact.org/ Third Act

 

1000 Grandmothers for Future Generations  
“We are elder women and allies stepping up to the urgency of the climate crisis. We act in support of the rights of Native Americans and other frontline communities. We believe that we cannot address the climate crisis without addressing systemic racism.” 

Website: www.1000grandmothers.com

Slideshow: https://vimeo.com/695241735

 

The Friendship bench

The Friendship Bench: Bringing talk therapy into underserved communities

Interview with Dr. Dixon Chibanda on CBS Sunday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMqx0qcRc44

https://bit.ly/4h3oeUE

 

StoryCorps https://storycorps.org/

A project that records interviews with elders who have lived through critical periods of history. The recordings are collected and housed in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, broadcast on NPR, and shared through a podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books. It has special collections, including the

  • The Griot Initiative collects, preserves, and shares the stories of African Americans. A Griot is a storyteller, a position of honor in West African tradition, who hands down family and community history from one generation to the next. https://storycorps.org/discover/griot/.

  • StoryCorps Historias, launched in 2009, records the stories and life experiences of Latina/Latino people in the United States.

  • Launched in 2020, American Pathways is a collection of stories and experiences of refugees, asylees, immigrants, and Muslims living in the United States.

 

 

Stay in Touch with Lisa

Lisan@elderjusticecal.org

Follow me on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-nerenberg-64777815/

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