Perhaps the most dangerous myth about old age is the idea that we cannot afford it. People believe the elderly are a costly drain upon society. Yet Social Security can be sustained. The healthcare system poses serious problems, but we have solved challenges before and we can do so again.

What led you to write The Longevity Revolution?

The revolutionary increase in longevity is a great human achievement. But I am struck by the pessimism in some quarters. I want to refute misinformation about the consequences of our aging population and to give the reader a realistic but optimistic view of this magnificent accomplishment.

Do you believe American society still treats older people with the same prejudice that you saw in 1967 when you coined the term "ageism"?

The International Longevity Center recently released a report in which we documented continuing age discrimination in the workplace and in healthcare—as well as in our language and in the media. I believe there is a greater sensitivity toward aging people, but our institutions still reflect deep-seated prejudice. For example, only one-tenth of our nursing homes meet basic Federal standards.