Ageism In Older Adults

With the older adult population steadily increasing, society has a long way to go with embracing this population as it relates to the negative effects that ageism has on older adults. Western cultures are excessive about obtaining and maintaining youthfulness and constantly trying to find ways to combat the process of aging. As a gerontologist, it is my role to educate older adults as well and the general community about the issues affecting older adults including ageism. In order to be successful in doing this, I must find key sources that influence ageism and find ways to cultivate a better understanding about healthy aging and slowly dismantling negative stereotypes. The media is one of the primary sources of influencing negative stereotyping
and is very persuasive on their interpretation of the older adult population through television shows, commercials, movies, magazines and websites (Gibson & Singleton, 2012). Television shows often portray older adults in a less than accurate depiction. They are often seen as frail, disabled, gray haired, forgetful, cranky and withdrawn. More commonly, these negative stereotypes are often displayed in women than men (Gibson & Singleton, 2012). Cultural and societal influence could also possibly shape false perceptions about aging especially in the younger population. I stress possibly because some cultures place a greater emphasis of attitudes of filial piety (Filial piety, n.d). As children develop, they form opinions around images surrounding them.
A scholarly article written by Jesica L. Danowski entitled " A Portrayal of Older Characters in Popular Children's Books: A Content Analysis from 2000 to 2010 " suggested that children as young three years old “hold negative ideals of older adults” (Danowski, 2011). Knowing this valuable information, I could possibly develop programs with parents as well as school counselors to help educated and encourage positive imagery surrounding older adults. Children’s books, interactive games, and finding ways to end ageist thinking by creating neighborhood involvement to nurture a supportive social environment centered around older adults. It is pivotal that children and young adults are educated about aging and more importantly healthy
aging. By working with school counselors, we could dedicate the weeks in September surrounding National Grandparents day to have active older adult speakers hold talks about their participation with health and wellness, community involvement, and leisure and aging.
Purchasing and distributing age appropriate children’s literature can also help educators foster positive attitudes towards aging. Time magazine wrote an article stating “Sept. 6, 1979, that President Jimmy Carter issued an official proclamation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day, in the hope that society could learn from "grandparents whose values transcend passing fads and pressures” (Rothman, 2015). Revising the ideas surrounding the creation of National Grandparents day could also reinforce positive imagery of older adults within the community. Advocating for neighborhood involvement encourages communities to build ongoing face-to-face interaction in hopes to reduce ageist thinking. To initiate this involvement, I would create local events that brings together all ages within the community. I would solicited helpful local resources such as The National Council on Aging, Senior Services, Senior Games,
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The more we educate all ages about the harmful effects of ageism and stereotyping, the more we could decrease the likelihood of negative portrayals of older adults in the media. Consistency is key. Shepard Center as well as local Church involvement to promote togetherness to help promote positive attitudes towards aging. Anti-ageism needs advocacy, the more we can educate all ages about the harmful effects of ageism and stereotyping will we start to see a decrease in the negative portrayal of older adults. This can be easier said done so I would also reach out to government resources to help hold existing efforts as well as new initiatives accountable for on-going advocacy. In order to assess the work initiated, I would have school counselors to evaluate learning outcomes by allowing students to take surveys after learning activities. Based on the results I can either reformulate ways to improve activities or find better ways of advocate in the school system. Assessing community programs may be challenging due to levels of participation and participation. I may have to incorporated was to promote advocacy with