ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE ELDERLY IN THE MODERN

WORLD: AGEISM

Ageism is a serious form of social discrimination and has a severe effect on the self-
esteem and wellbeing of seniors. Stereotypes about age are ingrained in us during youth and are
further reinforced by society and media. The elderly are the predominant victims of age
discrimination and are burdened with the negative effects. With seniors becoming the fastest
growing demographic it is surprising that ageism is still so pervasive. As a society we need to
look towards ending age discrimination and change the negative attitudes we have about getting
older.
Ageism is a form of discrimination and prejudice against an age group, and is acutely felt
by seniors (Ageism, 2009). Ageism involves applying false stereotypes to the elderly, or
changing the way one treats older people “in regard to their competence and value in society”
(Combating, 2012). It is human nature to want to put things into categories but this can lead
people to form incorrect stereotypes about an entire group of people. It is impossible to
generalize the ageing demographic that is made up of such a diverse group of individuals (The
effects, 2011). This does not stop our society from categorizing the aged as frail, powerless,
dependent, and burdensome. They are suddenly thought to be past their prime and mentally and
physically weaker.
In our society we learn the negative stereotypes about the elderly from those around us
and the media strengthens these false notions. Getting older becomes a dreaded stage of life
when we see birthday cards and balloons with negative jokes and sayings about aging such as
“over the hill”. Television and movies are no better, painting a picture of the aged as sickly and
grumpy individuals who are stubborn and set in their ways. However, “there is a sizeable
discrepancy between the actual process of aging and society’s perception of the process” (The
effects, 2011). Actress Doris Roberts spoke out against the media’s portrayal of older adults,
saying, “My peers and I are portrayed as dependent, helpless, unproductive and demanding
rather than deserving. In reality, the majority of seniors are self-sufficient… and [have] the time
and talent to offer society” (Dittmann, pg. 50) Most older individuals are vastly differently from
how they are stereotyped and are still independent and fully capable of cognitive and physical
activities regardless of age.
Age discrimination can be very hurtful to the self-esteem of aging individuals and can
even take a toll on their health. Many seniors are treated like second-class citizens by younger
generations. They are often talked down to or even made to feel invisible because of their age. A
20-year study on perceived discrimination found that 63% of participants over age 53, reported
feeling discriminated against, with the main cause cited being their old age. The study also found
that age discrimination quickly leads to feelings of depression and stress and causes lowered
mental health as well as lower self rated health (Luo, Xu, Granberg, Wentworth, 2011). In
another study psychologist Becca Levy, PhD discovered that when older individuals were
exposed to positive stereotypes about their age they showed significantly better memory and
balance than those exposed to negative views. What is even more astonishing is Levy found that
seniors with positive perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with negative views.
(Dittmann, pg 50). These findings put the true effects of negative stereotyping for the elderly in
perspective. The lower mental and physical expectations held for the elderly can cause seniors
depression and lead them to accept the inevitable deterioration of their body and mind. It is
devastating when this happens because the individual is participating in a self- fulfilling
prophecy (The effects of ageism, 2011).
There is a great deal that needs to be done in order to change the negative stereotyping of
the aging population. The most effective way to reverse society’s bias is to start with early
education about aging in order to stop the stereotypes from becoming concrete in young peoples
minds. If people learn that life does not stop at middle age and they understand more about the
aging process itself perhaps they can relate more to the older generation. I believe the more
educated people become about seniors and the adverse effects ageism has, people will soon
change the way they treat their elders.
Ageism is just as dangerous as any other form of prejudice and the effects it has on the
older populations health and happiness is astounding. Society needs to break the negative
stereotypes that are perpetuated and instead revere seniors for their knowledge and experience.
This change will be difficult to make because they are deep seeded in the minds of many.
However, change is need and must come about through education and understanding.