This is one of the most important and inspiring books I've ever read. I turned 50 last year, and as an only child, I'm also the primary caregiver for my 86-year-old mother who lives with my husband and me and suffers from dementia and severe osteoporosis. Every day, she admonishes me, "Don't ever get old." I am ageing. I see the harmful effects of a negative mindset about ageing on the regular. Madison Avenue hard sells us on anti-ageing treatments 24/7. But, if ever there were a magic pill, it's this book. Dr. Levy not only teaches us to think differently about ageing, she shows us how that new way of thinking can and will enhance our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. And, she backs it up with research and data. I particularly loved the advice to reframe a belief about older people as being about a different marginalized group. If we were saying X about women, would it be sexist? About people of color, would it be racist? Then it's problematic, not funny, and fostering an ageist culture.

Breaking the Age Code should be required reading for everyone on the planet - but especially in the United States. The appendices, not to be overlooked, are action-oriented and useful - the 'how' of this book after the what and why, and a powerful call to action. Changing one's mindset and entrenched thinking rarely happens overnight - especially when it's as institutionalized as ageism - but this book can help anyone and everyone who struggles with the idea of getting older and provides realistic, actionable guidance for addressing issues personally and as an advocate across multiple verticals in society.

I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and will include it in a TBR round-up for Women's Health Month in May.