Examples Of Stigma Of Aging

Ageism is a form of discrimination and prejudice, particularly experienced by seniors. Most seniors are mentally and physically active regardless of age with a great deal to contribute. http://www.alfa.org/alfa/Ageism.asp

Ageism is prejudice and discrimination against older adults. (Schaefer, 2012) It is a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify age based prejudice, discrimination, and subordination. This may be casual or systematic. The term was coined in 1969 by

Ageism can affect both the youth and the elderly, but in today’s times it is mainly focused on the elderly. The elderly are constantly harassed, judged, and stereotyped for their age. The elderly are viewed as disabled, has-beens, and basically serve no propose, instead of being viewed as wise, bold, experienced, and valuable. In the article “Putting The

Ageism is prejudice against a group who is of old age and discriminated against solely based on their age. This group is usually men and women whose age is 40 or older. It has a great influence today. Society at times views older men and women as a liabilities and or incompetent to perform tasks that younger individuals can perform accordingly

“Older people are likely to be seen as a burden and a drain on resources, rather than as a resource themselves”, this being a common interpretation many have on elderly because of Ageism (Irving, 2015, p. 72). The term “Ageism” was developed in 1969 by Robert M. Butler, the director of the District of Columbia Advisory Committee on Aging (SOURCE). Ageism, meaning, the prejudice and discrimination against older people (Macionis, 2014, pg.104), has been an un-noticed growing stereotype. When many think of becoming an elderly they mostly think of the things you can’t do any more. This point exactly has been the driving force of Ageism’s growth. Originally the term was introduced by Butler because of his partnership with the NCHA (housing) and

Unfortunately, ageism does exist in the United States. I think the main place I have seen ageism is in the media. It is rare to see older women and men in shows or films. We have been taught that the young beautiful girl, or the young handsome man are the ones who should be the main characters. I believe Hollywood can do a much better job creating roles for older people where they can shine. Not only that but when they are represented they are portrayed in a negative light. Also there are a lot of jokes made of older people in the media. There are stereotypes like the stereotypical grumpy old man or the older folk who knows nothing about technology and a lot more. I think the people putting these things out there don’t realize how hurtful

After giving thought to the subject of ageism as it is directed against the elderly in American society, I find that although I generally have a great deal of respect for those older than me, I like most am guilty of some degree of stereotyping.

Firstly, I would agree with you on older adults being seen in the mass media as fragile and a burden, creating ageist generalizations. Yet, there are a small number of messages, which exhibit the elderly in a decent light. On the other hand, Robnett and Chop (2015) discovered, that there have been continuing improvements over the past 50 years in attitudes towards the elderly owing to greater public education, improved media attention, and supplementary optimistic role models in the television and movies (p. 20). Nevertheless, ageist stereotypes still exist, as individuals do not have comprehension about the consequence it has on older adults in the community. Moreover, it was well considered to specify three issues, which emerge from stereotyping

Ageism is endorsed throughout global culture and often is overlooked as a form of prejudice. However, this acceptance and ignorance towards an ageist culture, has proven to inflict severe mental, physical and emotional health implications. Although ageism is easily understood, it often goes unnoticed as a type of discrimination and unlike other prejudices, it will impact anyone who manages to make it to the sixth decade of live (Nelson, 2016). So, in hindsight it is discriminating against ones future self. Studies have identified that 80% of people aged 60 and older have experienced forms of ageism (Robbins, 2015). This figure is appalling considering the adverse health affects negative stereotyping can impose. In order to understand ageism and its affects it is vital to explore age prejudice from a multi-generational perspective. As well as understand the social-imagination contributing to a negative ideology of ageing. Only after understanding the aetiology of ageism, can interventions be put in place to eradicate this worldwide prejudice.

Ageism and stereotypes of older people can have an important impact on their physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing. Negative stereotypes of older people being dependent and decrepit can be internalized and become self-fulfilling. These ageist thoughts and stereotypes can lead to older people not seeking health care in general and to not get treatment appropriate for their illness or medical condition due to their age and not based on any other factor.

When most people envision an elderly person, their minds go to the iconic little old lady or man. They automatically think about them having psychological ailments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. With this assumption comes many unfair prejudices in the work place or other

Hi Jennifer, you brought up a great point about research conducted on older adults. This research showed that preconceived ideas about older adults are incorrect. Older adults do not go into a decline and deterioration as they age. Cognition and memory studies indicate that “older adults continue to develop intellect as they get older” (Nugent & Jones, pg. 230). Developmental theorists have begun to expand the idea of the elderly into three groups instead of one. Prior to this the elderly encompassed the age range of 65 – 90 years old and beyond. Today they are separated in three categories called “young-old 65-75, and old-old 75-85 and the oldest-old 85 and beyond” (Nugent & Jones, pg. 230).

As stated in No-one Expects Me Anywhere, Pamela Gibson states, “…above all we need to rethink our attitudes of aging… our negative images of old age are constantly reinforced through film, television, and newspapers, where representation often resembles caricature (Gibson, 87).” By only accepting and representing one small portion of society, the media is setting up consequences for the rest of society who do not fall under the accepted standards.

This is a society of isms, racism, sexism, and ageism. It labels, stereotypes, and categorizes people, by shape, size, color, and age. The elderly in their later years should be able to have a peaceable life, treated with dignity and respect. However, pretty much anyone under the age of 50 is a target for an attack of an attitude of ageism at some point. Those who do the disrespecting don’t stop to consider that at some point, they will also be at the receiving end of that attitude.” (Webb)

Along with how the elderly are impacted by how they are viewed and treated, the elderly most often internalize they’re feelings from this discrimination which in turn affects their ability and willingness to communicate with younger people.