LACPA’s Fall Book Club Selection: 

Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging

Determine How Long & Well You Live

by Becca Levy, Ph.D. 

Book Summary

Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live by Becca Levy, Ph.D.

is about ageism and its destructive effect on the welfare of older adults.  In our society, ageism is widespread and a socially acceptable prejudice, as opposed to other prejudices, such as racism, sexism, and SES bias, which are unacceptable to most people. Rather than being condemned as unjust, ageism is promoted by negative stereotypes in advertising, movies, and television. Older adults are often presented as unattractive, frail, disabled, confused, or objects of ridicule. These negative stereotypes are not only destructive to self-esteem and image but also affect the health and resilience of older adults. 

In Breaking the Age Code, Levy presents her research findings that two-month exposure to positive age beliefs led to better physical function in her participants who were 65 and older. Her research demonstrated that our beliefs about age can be changed with exposure to positive aging images and statements. Furthermore, her research indicates that positive beliefs about aging are associated with better mental and physical health, and increased longevity. This book is very well written and will be beneficial to psychologists, personally and professionally. 

Continued Professional Development (CPD):

IMHO, this book discussion qualifies for Continued Professional Development (CPD) under the Peer Consultation or Self-Directed Learning categories.  Last year I communicated with Mr. Jason Glasspiegel of the Board of Psychology (BOP) to ask specifically how CPD could be applied to LACPA’s Book and Film Clubs.  He replied: 

After reviewing with additional staff, we agree that as long as the discussion of the book read or movie watched is relevant to the practice of psychology, it would count. Specifically, the discussions should focus on maintaining, developing, or increasing conceptual and applied competencies that are relevant to the licensee’s individual psychological practice, education, or science.

Each attendee decides if a particular book discussion fits the above standard and which category is more appropriate.  Attendees are solely responsible for keeping their own documentation as required by the BOP.  Please direct any questions about the requirements and/or documentation to the BOP.  Neither LACPA nor I are responsible for to provide such information. 

Please contact the Book Club facilitator to RSVP:  

Santa Clarita

Saturday, November 11th at 10:00 AM

Hosted by Dr. Lynne Steinman

[email protected]  

(661) 259-0144

This will be an in-person meeting and the address will be provided after you RSVP. 

 Westside

Sunday, November 12th at 3:00 PM

Hosted by Dr. Cris Scaglione 

[email protected]

(949) 939-1943

This will be an online meeting and the Zoom link will be emailed the day of the meeting.  

Encino

Sunday, November 19th at 3:00 PM

Hosted by Dr. Pamela McCrory

[email protected]

(818) 999- 4126 

This will be an online meeting and the Zoom link will be emailed the day of the meeting.

 Join us for great discussions with fellow LACPA members!

"The opinions of presenters at informal forums, such as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) or club meetings, and their approach to psychological issues and interventions do not represent a formal endorsement of any position by the Los Angeles County Psychological Association or its members. The opinions, ideas, and concepts expressed are purely those of the presenter."  

Amy Rosett, Ph.D.
PSY 13380
Book Club Leader, LACPA

16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 720
Encino, CA 91436
818.705.1870
www.dramyrosett.com