Importance Of Age Stereotypes

It is apparent that age discrimination is prevalent in today’s society within health care. This section will further explore ageism and provide ways to overcome it. According to Potter and Perry (2014) ageism is defined as “discrimination against people because of increasing age” (p. 376). Ageism has the ability to undermine self-confidence in older adults, limit their access to care, and even distort health care providers’ understanding of the uniqueness of each older adult. The Canadian Special Senate Committee on Aging has concluded that ageism in Canada is delicate and pervasive and immediate action is required (Potter & Perry, 2014). Ageism can result in over- treatment or under-treatment. For example, over-treatment can include “overuse

I will be presenting part of what I am thinking to write about in the chapter, at the Aging and Society's 6th Interdisciplinary conference in October. If the presentation would not violate the terms of the chapter submission, I would be very happy to contribute to the book.

Modern society view’s aging as a form of sickness and the elderly as persons who are closer to dying and death. This is what is often portrayed in our mass and social media. When considering issues of aging sociologists have found that more positive characteristics are often said for persons under sixty five years than for over sixty five years.

Being an older adult in need of services is challenging and, seemingly, discouraging due to the lack of services available. Amplify the typical challenges of older adults

After spending an afternoon interviewing my elderly father-in-law, I gained insight into how he perceives the aging process and the impact on the quality of his life. First, and foremost he viewed aging in a very positive and healthy manner. He believes that a positive attitude assists in accepting physical and psychosocial changes and enjoyed the fact that he and his wife are both physically fit and cognitively alert. He felt confident that advances made in health care and the quality of their lives would continue to be empowering. He enjoys the benefits of being a senior citizen including discounted travel, free education, and other incentives marketed towards seniors. He expressed a sense of well-being with respect to the numerous

What the article may have insinuated was that of the importance of care for the elderly, but also may have enforced elderly stereotypes. The articled talked about getting intensive geriatric service workers for those in need. An intensive geriatric service work would be someone who comes by to help a person who cannot do so on their own, such as visiting to make sure their eating and being taken care of, without them having to be in a home (The Record, 2010, B3). As the article portrays the elderly in a stereotypical way, we must move past it and realise that stereotype is not something we should follow. The reason for not following the stereotype of elderly, being portrayed as weak and always in need of help is the difference between chronological age and physical age (Lesson 8, 2016, p.2). The difference between the two is how one is compared to how old they may feel, some elderly feel as though they are younger than they are and that they do not require help or assistance. What research offers us is those who exercise regularly, eat healthier, and stimulate the brain with cognitive tasks as they get older, are at less chance of cognitive depletion, as in decrease in proper brain functioning as they age, such as memory loss, and even physical deterioration

Ageism simply means and is presumed that older adults are frail, weak, and disabled permeates society. This label cares negative stereotypes, such as discrimination and prejudices. Ageism exists in the workplace, certain cultures, and social classes and within health care.

This could be where the problem starts because although the elderly want to be independent and live on their own, most are not completely capable of this and need the assistance. The unavoidable process of aging will happen to

Chapter 13 of the text: The Elderly and Retired, addresses the foundation of Canada’s social policies for seniors (those aged 65 and above in most circumstances), and the underlying issues and ideas that continue to pervade its framework. Effective and fair social policy regarding Canada’s seniors is of paramount importance now and in the immediate years to come, seeing as with the baby-boomer generation in the process of retiring, it is

I really enjoyed the lecture on Ageism; it was very interesting and educational. I was surprised with the 20 True or False question on what is your aging I.Q. We do have different concept about elderly or older people, however after watching the lecture I have learned more true understanding about ageism. Ageism is when you judge people based on age. Unfortunately, I was surprised when this can be called as prejudice and stereotypes. I use to receive elderly jokes through email, which was really hilarious but didn’t think as being prejudice or stereotypes.

In Dr. Marcia Ory’s article titled Challenging Aging Stereotypes: Strategies for Creating a More Active Society, many common misconceptions about the elderly are presented and disputed, while also addressing the effect these stereotypes have on the elderly’s view of themselves and how it affects their physical wellbeing. Solutions to getting the older population active and engaged while taking care of their bodies are also presented. This assessment provides a comprehensive breakdown of these topics, while making appropriate suggestions to end the negative stereotypes associated with old age.

Furthermore, Butler (1980) implied how ageism, as sexism and racism, has become institutionalised in society. He argues since the attitudes of the members of a society shape the policies that govern it. Then bias, prejudice, and stereotypes can make a direct effect on policy formulation. Thus, through their effect on social policy, attitudes become institutionalised. Butler (1980) argues how there is three distinguishable, yet interrelated aspects to the problem of ageism: 1) Prejudicial attitudes towards the aged, towards old age, and toward the ageing process, including attitudes held by the elderly themselves; 2) discriminatory practices against the elderly, particularly in employment, but in other social roles as well; and 3) institutional practices and policies which, often without malice, perpetuate stereotypic beliefs about the elderly, reduce their opportunities for a satisfactory life and undermine their personal dignity (Butler, 1980).

To begin with Emma Norfolk’s prezi How the Elderly Were Treated in the 1930s, “Many old people felt useless and many was left starving and pushed to the side due to their lack of ability to help bring in an income for the family.” According to the National Institute on Aging’s Growing Older in America: The Health and Retirement Study claims, “Most people are happy and active in retirement. Some 61 percent of retirees surveyed in 2000 say they found the retirement transition to be very satisfying.” Old people today live betters lives than they did 80 years ago due to their ability to work longer and their transitions into

As people age they develop many special needs related to the later period of life. Many elderly people have specific physical needs where adaptations to their home are necessary or where they need specific equipment for self care. Old age also brings new emotional challenges for the elderly person when the family can be useful in helping to meet the persons mental health needs. Senior citizens experience needs in their social life; they also experience the need for activities with other seniors. Health needs also negatively affect the elderly and cause multiple physical problems. Every elderly person experiences needs that are related to each of these areas.

People living into 80’s and 90’s are putting a greater burden on the Health care systems and from the graph above we can see that the cost of care for the older year’s group is likely to increase in the future as the ratio between retired and working people becomes greater. Therefore, it is important for those involved cares for older adults to be more holistic in their approach. Incorporating educating older people about a healthier lifestyle in their middle years so they will be healthier older people. Throughout this piece, I have discussed the physical changes and psychological/ social changes that take place during the ageing process. I have stated how Cummming and Henry (1961) Disengagement Theory was portrayed as a positive occurrence.