The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

By Jonas Jonasson, 2009

At the core of ageism is a failure to truly identify with older people as peers and equals. We cannot help but identify with the main character in this novel who hops out the window of his old people's home and does a runner! Even though the limits of his physical reserve intrude regularly, whether through his failing joints, weak bladder, or his propensity to frequent naps, this in no way diminishes his vitality or the novel’s humour.

Somewhere Towards the End

By Diana Athill, 2008

This Costa Book of the Year winner is a perfect memoir of old age – candid, detailed, charming and totally lacking in self-pity or sentimentality. In telling it like it is, with humour and compassion, she strikes a real blow against ageism.

As We Are Now

By May Sarton, 1973

A novel about the powerlessness of the old and the rage it can bring. Tells Caroline’s story, a 76-year-old who has been moved into a "home." Subjected to subtle humiliations and cruelties, she fights back, and in a powerful climax wins a terrible victory. Reminds us of the inevitability of aging and the immensity of the care-giving responsibility.

The Warmth of the Heart Prevents Your Body From Rusting: ageing without growing old

By Marie De Hennezel, 2012

Eloquent meditation on ageing which outlines encounters with extraordinary people who are growing old gracefully. A wonderful book by a clinical psychologist with a powerful message. 

The Catcher in the Rye

By J.D. Salinger, 1951

This widely acclaimed story, known for its themes of teenage angst and alienation, details two days in the life of 16-year-old Holden, following expulsion from school. Confused and disillusioned, he searches for truth and rails against the phoniness of the adult world.

Ending up

By Kingsley Amis, 1974

Describes the final stages of five old peoples’ lives, each connected, but forced to share an isolated cottage.

A story about growing older & facing death.

Amis reminds us that we can be elderly, semi-senile, crippled with physical indignities, self-deluding and humiliatingly unable to resolve in old age the problems of early life, and still be triumphantly human.

Age Discrimination

By Malcolm Sargeant, 2011

Looks at how both young and old can be penalised by prejudice against their age group. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the implications of equality legislation, for businesses and service providers, public or private.

The Sea

By John Banville, 2005

This 2005 Booker Prize winning novel is a reflection on ageing, terminal illness & death and an examination of the nature of memory. What the main character comes to understand about the past is at the centre of this beautifully written novel.

The Freedom Writers Diary

By Erin Gruwell (Teacher), 1999

Straight from the front line of urban America, this inspiring story tells of one fiercely determined teacher and her remarkable students. Explores how reading and creative writing empowered young lives. 

Deaf Sentence

By David Lodge, 2008

This dark, comedic novel is a moving account of one man’s efforts to come to terms with deafness, ageing, the emptiness of his retirement life, bodily decay and mortality. This is a novel that ultimately brings home the preciousness of time, life and love.