Ageism Research Paper

AGEISM (Heading) * MYTHS * WHAT IS AGEISM? * LANGUAGE & SOCIAL ISSUES * INTERVENTIONS & STRATEGIES
Speaker notes: According to Martin (2007), “Ageism typically involves any attitude or behavior that negatively categorizes the elderly based either on partial truth (often taken out of context) or on outright myths of the aging process” (pg. 142). There are nine basic myths that show cause to an individual having the label of ageism: “(1) poor health, illness, and disability; (2) lack of mental sharpness and acuity, senility, and dementia; (3) sadness, depression, and loneliness; (4) an irritable demeanor; (5) a sexless life; (6) routine boredom; (7) a lack of vitality and continual decline; and (8) and inability to learn new
Myths create negative attitudes that often create discrimination within society that enhances untruths about the elderly population. In order to see the myths that hinder society as a whole taking a look at what ageism is is in fact beneficial to bring truth to the table. What is ageism? Ageism is a social attitude that has created myths within society that have endorsed society’s stereotype of aging adults within communities. Myths are can be generated by many things such as demeaning comments passed on from person to person or by simply turning on the television and seeing negative adaptations of what life is like as an elderly person. “Many social psychologists and gerontologists cite the media as a major source of negative stereotypes of the elderly” (Martin, 2007) (pp. 141). Fear of growing old can generate the social attitudes seen in ageism that brings about negative behaviors to cloud people’s judgments and ultimately result in myths. “Language is
In today’s societies many options are available for the elderly to seek refuge in these times of need. According to Martin (2007), “ contrary to the common belief of many in the United States, most elderly individuals remain in their homes until death and are cared for by family members” (pp. 142). In some situations a family member may move their aging relative or loved one into their homes to make it easier for them to maintain constant care needed on a twenty- four hour basis. Retirement communities offer numerous accommodations that assist and care for aging adults in a setting that creates an active lifestyle. Some communities offer clubs, crafts, physical health classes, cooking facilities, pools, beautiful landscapes to walk in and anything else that will empower yet keep a well balanced lifestyle. “Government subsidized senior housing can make housing costs more affordable for the elderly population, whether in the form of a subsidy provided directly to the elderly in form of tax credits, loans, or rental vouchers, or subsidies provided to the housing community, which passes on this discount to the renter” (Martin, 2007) (pp. 143). Finally there is assisted living facilities (ADL) designed to accommodate individuals who need around the clock care and assistance. This