Ageism continues to be considered a socially acceptable prejudice, according to a story on the American Psychological Association (APA). These inaccurate stereotypes can create negative consequences at both the social and individual levels.
According to research published in 2020, 93 percent of older adults between 50-80 regularly experienced at least one of 10 forms of ageism. These are:
Ageist messages:
I hear, see, or read jokes about old age, aging, or older adults.
I hear, see,e or read things suggesting that older adults and aging are unattractive or undesirable.
Ageism in interpersonal interactions:
People assume that I have difficulty with cell phones or computers.
People assume I have difficulty remembering or understanding things.
People assume I have difficulty hearing or seeing things.
People insist on helping me with things I can do on my own.
People assume I do not do anything important or valuable.
Internalized ageism:
Having health problems is part of getting older.
Feeling lonely is part of getting older.
Feeling depressed, sad, or worried is part of getting older.
The most common form involved internalized ageism; 80% of respondents agreed with the statement that “having health concerns is part of getting older,” even though 83% said they were in good or very good health. The researchers’ analysis also found those participants who had higher scores on reported ageism also reported having poor physical or mental health.
Additionally, 65% of older adults reported they had been the recipient of ageist messages while 45% said they experienced ageism in their interpersonal interactions.
We live in a society where attitudes on aging often are rooted in falsehoods that older adults as a whole are physically and mentally failing. This cultural lens can be seen in marketing centered around drugs, procedures, remedies, and products purportedly designed to “prevent” aging, workforce issues, and policy decisions. As a result, a vicious cycle emerges where listening to and believing cultural messages that suggest imminent physical, cognitive, and mental decline that becomes a self-fulfilling – and self-defeating – prophecy.
The APA also points out that culture often makes a “one-size-fits-all” pronouncement, ignoring that individuals age differently. If you need an example, just look at 62-year-old Michelle Yeoh, who has reached a new level of success (including winning an Oscar) when the common societal notion is that it’s time to retire – and she also continues to do much of her own martial arts work in movies.
Additionally, some researchers have found that aging actually offers multiple benefits, including emotional regulation, concentration, as well as increased happiness and life satisfaction.
Our I Start Wondering team believes that aging can be an immensely positive time of life and that societal messages need to change to reflect the many older adults who live vibrant lives and to encourage others to do the same. We believe that older women will serve as important role models who are thriving as they embrace their own passions while contributing to their families, communities, and society as a whole.
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