Senior Stereotypes

In American society, it seems that we treasure youth and either fear or are disappointed to reach old age. Our culture has a big influence on how the elderly are perceived has stereotyped this population, mostly seen through the media. Even in films, TV, books, and magazines old people are often portrayed as frail, weak, klutzy, or indecisive. We should look treat our elderly with respect for the fact that they are more associated with experience, knowledge, and wisdom than a younger population. Ageism describes this discrimination against the old due to misconceptions and ignorance.

Seniors born entre January 1, 1933 and December 31, 1945 are described as Post-War Cohort and have a current Population of 55 million, but their population is declining. According to extension.missouri.edu, they are retirees in majority and formed the largest voting population. Seniors or veterans also called Silent Generation inherited the consequences of the Great Depression of 1929 and World War II. They feel gratified by the effort or work, they are struggling to work and usually stay for long in the same company. They are obedient and respectful to authority, they are cautious and have a sense of duty but modern technologies such as information, communication and social networks are not obvious to them and may even be refractory. They earned less than today, but in their time, the quality of work was an art. Seniors born entre January 1, 1933 and December 31, 1945 value security, comfort, and familiar, known activities and environments. Like the baby boomers, the silent generation is committed in marriage even though some divorced. This cohort is a target composed mainly of women and men widowers who live alone for half of them, especially women. This cohort had significant opportunities in education as a post-war economic boom struck America.

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

Aging should not be a weakness but instead a strength for an individual. With age comes wisdom, we jump to stereotypes and conclusions believing an elderly is weak mentally and physically. Our chapter mentioned how elderly become less confident with their memory due to stereotype threat. Since this reduces memory performance as we age. In addition, stereotype threat is a condition when people conform to the stereotypes of a social group (Whitbourne,2014).

I am addressing my white paper to you, and other constituents, because of the organization you serve. You currently serve an organization that our older adult population, 65 years and older, need more assistance in. Considering your knowledge and expertise in health and Medicare, it makes sense to address the issues that relate specifically to them. A majority of older adults are willing to make better choices towards their health such as participating in physical activity. However, they are unsure on how to do it and what services are available to them. For example, older adults are at an extreme disadvantage when searching for facilities that offer great programs that fit their physical activity goal. There are not enough fitness programs available for older adults while there are plenty of other fitness programs available for younger populations.

There are many stereotypes about the elderly generation, unfortunately people seem to think that when you're older you're not as important as you are when you're younger. One of many stereotypes about elderly people is that older people are sweet and kind and at peace with the world. That's hilarious because there are several elderly people that can be rude or mean. Another stereotype that older people can't learn. What do you mean older people can't learn? Anybody can learn! Another ridiculous stereotype is that all elderly people are sweet and kind and at peace with the world. Well they must not know the people that I take care of every day at my facility, because let me tell you older people can be just as nasty as younger people. That's

(Bureau of Labor Statistics). It’s almost hard for the elderly to find jobs because the jobs these days are more hands on and they aren’t that fit to do them. One-third of senior households has no money left over each month or is in debt after meeting essential expenses. (Institute on Assets and Social Policy) they live on a budget and that would be hard for them having to pay to get places when they could ride free. Some elderly probably wouldn’t ride the bus. there are many challenges and opportunities of an aging population. In addition to increasing the strain on government -sponsored programs like medicare, Medicaid, and social security, the retirement of this large group of Americans could also create significant losses in productivity as well as specialized skills upon which many of our companies depend(Haerens). Many people are retiring and getting old themselves and they can’t do everything we can so they go into health programs for them. The science of health promotion and risk factor reduction, coupled with advancement in medicine, have made it possible for a large percentage of the population to live out their lives in functional and productive ways(Haerens). The elderly may take more medication to just get by for them having

Each generation has a difference in importance and what they want out of life. The approach on one generation may work on some in other generations but not as much as differentiating the campaign for each target audience. People are skeptical when looking at advertising, however if it appeals to them and improves their health then they are more inclined to follow through with a program. Generation Y is not concerned on where their health insurance comes from, as long as they have it. “Gen Y members are accustomed to having a range of product choices, being able to evaluate them and, if they do not get from one source, finding another source that can satisfy them.” (Generation Y Health Views, September 2008). Generation X use a combination

First is the activity theory of ageing. This theory mentions that in order for individuals to enjoy old age, they need to maintain activities that replace the roles left behind. There are multiple advantages to this theory. Being more active will help keep an ageing person happier and healthier. Staying active and engaging in new opportunities provides that individual with opportunities to lean from others within the community. Being active in group activities emphasizes motivation and structure and encourages social inclusion, communication and expression of

Additionally, the pros of the activity theory include a satisfactory relationship between staying active and life itself. The activity theory basically states that aging adults are happiest when they stay active and maintain positive social relationships. This can be established by the feeling of doing something meaningful in their lives. According to the Aging Article, “grandparents feels that their grandchildren’s transition to higher education has enhanced their mentoring role, but their grandchildren do not”. This is an example of how as the grandparent is maintaining an active relationship with their grandchild, it is providing them a feeling of satisfaction because they believe that they are playing a role of a mentor. The cons of the

We live in a world where stereotypes tend to affect the way society sees some people. There are many stereotypes about every ethnicities characteristic. What is a stereotype? Well a stereotype is an idea that people have about a group or thing that may be untrue or true. Many confuse the word cliché and stereotype since they have a bit of similarities. They both come from French and have a negative meaning to its definition. Cliché is used as an expression that is overly used with no originality to it and stereotypes tend to be the same but have more negativity towards its phrases. In America, I have heard plenty of stereotypes whether it being about Mexicans, Asians, or African Americans. I have recently started to hear stereotypes of

The age issue has been an ongoing argument between both employers and job seekers. More and more senior workers sense that their ages are being held against them; they feel increasingly uneasy by the job market that fails to seek their true abilities. Furthermore, as the baby boom generation gradually shifting towards the retirement age, the demographic of the people in the labor force is changing. In the near future, these baby boomers would eventually has to exit the market force and leave many jobs open to be filled. Specific related issues have been considered, including the decline in human capital, lost skills, etc. With fewer people from the younger ages are involve

“According to findings of a study from the University of Dundee, the most powerful ‘deterrent’ among the over 65 are a lack of interest and disbelief that exercise can enhance and lengthen life” (Murphy). What most of the elderly do not understand is that being sedentary is anything but beneficial. Being physically inactive can inevitably lead to one 's demise. It can cause bone deterioration, a higher risk of Alzheimer, a higher risk of diabetes, and low life expectancy. But, by joining fitness centers and taking part in physical therapy, the elderly can improve on their memory and driving skills, improve on their mobility, improve the quality of their lives, and become less dependent on others.

However, the downside is that more adolescents feel they need to undergo these procedures themselves in order to fulfill the ideal body image. These cosmetic procedures may be especially dangerous to an already youthful person. There is always new technology for plastic surgery emerging, and celebrities are usually the first ones to try it, because of their wealth, and because plastic surgeons want other people to follow in the path of these celebrities. Celebrities appear to be ageless as the craze for anti-aging cosmetics becomes more prevalent in society. People also undergo plastic surgery in order to look like a celebrity. Going back to the article, Newer Trends in Facial Rejuvenation, it is inferred in the beginning of the article that the rise in more rejuvenation options correlates with the increase in the overall amount of procedures because statistically, from 1997 to 2007, surgical procedures have risen by 114%, and nonsurgical by 754% in the United States alone. (Aslam and Rani). Altering one’s appearance has become a social norm, as seen by celebrities. It has become an elite culture that has others who cannot afford plastic surgery feeling left out. AARP has put together a slideshow consisting of celebrities who appear to have defied the aging process; many of these celebrities are known to have undergone plastic surgery at one point of their lives (Ianzito, No Way They 're 60-Plus!). Adolescents who see this slideshow may feel insecure with their own features,

As an elderly person in the workforce, whether or not it is the right time to retire is a constant debate. The impact of retirement on an elderly person depends on the attitude the person has toward their reason for retirement. Some people chose to retire because they are tired of work and are ready to quit working. Other people are forced to retire because they might have health issues that prevent them from continuing to work. Financial and health concerns are a major part of retirement decisions. Most elderly people decide to retire because they have Social Security Benefits or they simply can afford to retire. They no longer have the responsibility to take care of children or anyone else. As a person gets older, they begin to not be as productive as they were at a younger age. Companies often feel that elderly people are a weakness to their business because they slow down the process, which is why they encourage people 65 and older to retire. Many elderly people work until their 70s or 80s in order to support their families. Other people, however, despite still being capable of working are forced to retire because of their companies regulations. Retirement is often seen as a time in a person's life where they have quit working and can now relax and experience things they were unable to experience before due to their working lives. However, that is not the case for all retired elderly people, some people develop mental health issues because of loneliness. Retirement is a