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A positive attitude about aging plays
an active role in health.
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Life
expectancy is increasing in the USA and other wealthy countries, yet as the
population ages they are faced with very real prejudice. Ageism against the elderly population manifests
itself throughout the American culture.
From fighting against the “old geezer” stereotype, to the assumption of cognitive
or physical impairment, to being the butt of the old timer jokes, today’s
elderly constantly battle against Ageism. In fact nearly 80% of the elderly population report
experiencing Ageism. Despite the fact ageism is now recognized a problem in
society, it is not decreasing at a fast enough rate. American culture focuses and idolized youth. Negative stereotypes about the elderly often
develop from of fear of the unknown and are established at a young age in a
person’s mindset. This fear of the aging
process creates Ageism and is often expressed by the assumption that:
- Elders are slow when they move about.
- Elders are in ill health.
- Elders cannot learn new things.
- Elders are depressed and complain all the time about change.
The
stereotype assumes that the elderly are needy, feeble, idle and demanding
rather than deserving, yet in reality the majority of elderly today are self-sufficient,
middle-class consumers with resources, talent and time to contribute to
society. Unfortunately Ageism not only affects how society treats the elderly
but also how the elderly perceive themselves.
Reliable
research on today’s aging population shows an increased quality of life while
aging. This research supports the idea that
stereotypes held by people have a direct link to their health and
well-being. For example, Yale University found that older people who hold
negative stereotypes about themselves getting older are more likely to display
negative response to stress, self-efficacy, cognitive
function, and are more likely to have a negative view of their own peers. Not
only was it found that negative stereotypes affect performance and attitudes, it
was also found that these beliefs contributed to the elderly’s will to live
with healthy development.
These
stereotypes may hold some value to the people who are suffering with later
stages of an incurable diagnosis. Those with health issues who are active and
hold a positive outlook on reaching developmental milestones throughout their
entire life are not affected by negative stereotypes and do better physically
and emotionally. The good news is
that holding positive views of ageing has a real beneficial impact on people. Keeping a positive attitude compared to a
negative attitude on aging has been associated with a 44% greater likelihood of
recovery from severe disability.
Holding
a negative thought about aging is self discriminating.
“If you are a man you
are prejudiced against women you will never know how a woman feels. If you are
white and you are prejudiced against blacks, you will never know how a black
person feels. But if you are young and you are prejudiced against the old, you
are indeed prejudiced against yourself, because you, too, will have the honor
of being old someday” (Lewis, C 1989)
Changing negative stereotypes is difficult
because people hold predetermined social images reinforcing these stereotypes,
and thus are resistant to change. Environmental and social impact of being
comfortable with aging allows for a positive impact on healthy life choices for
all generations.
Sources:
Journal of the American
Medical Association
Lewis, C. 1989. How the
myths of aging impact rehabilitive care for the older person. Occupational
Therapy Forum
Susan
Sherriff, CNA and Marketing student, is a contributing
writer to Elder Topics as part of a Marketing Internship. As a member of
the HomeAid Health Care team, Susan uses over 10 years of Caregiver experience
to assist our elderly and disabled Clients who wish to remain safe and
independent at home. HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home Assisted
Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of
their Residents since 1999. Together the two companies provide
comprehensive care that meets the needs of the elderly and disabled in the Fox
Valley of Wisconsin.
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