Old people have it tougher than most.
Not only are most of them quietly battling with their weakening immune systems and stiffening joints, but they are also facing the barrage of ageist messages that crop up almost constantly in the media. The Guardian makes a point of emphasizing the way in which older generations are cast aside by the fast-paced and inclusive city landscape, where only the youth are catered to.
But unlike the other more prominent "ism's" within our culture, ageism thrives.
While sexism and racism are both being challenged and thwarted wherever possible, ageism tends to be overlooked as an issue.
Persistent stereotypes about old people include;
These pervasive attitudes towards the elderly have really negative affects.
Age discrimination in employment is very real, and our culture on the whole is very youth-oriented, to the point when society excludes the middle-aged and the elderly.
When focusing on job discrimination, people who are older are (stereotypically speaking) much less likely to be hired than younger people because they are seen as less adaptable, more set in their ways, harder to train and less energetic. But ageism also swings in the opposite direction, with the marginalization and political powerlessness of younger people being equally as problematic.
Think about the ways in which our society views older people. Maybe it's Silicone valley's obsession with youth,
or the way Disney villains are always depicted as older than the hero/heroine.
Ageist attitudes are everywhere and it's up to us to challenge these negative stereotypes about age.
Old people are no different than you are me and one day, we'll both be old ourselves!
Not only are most of them quietly battling with their weakening immune systems and stiffening joints, but they are also facing the barrage of ageist messages that crop up almost constantly in the media. The Guardian makes a point of emphasizing the way in which older generations are cast aside by the fast-paced and inclusive city landscape, where only the youth are catered to.
But unlike the other more prominent "ism's" within our culture, ageism thrives.
While sexism and racism are both being challenged and thwarted wherever possible, ageism tends to be overlooked as an issue.
Persistent stereotypes about old people include;
- The idea that old people are all senile. Although Alzheimer's and Dementia do affect older people more than any other demographic, most old people continue to be self-sufficient well into advanced age, with many continuing to share their skills, knowledge and talents with those around them.
- That they are a burden on society. Again, the idea that older people have nothing to contribute to society is false. Old people continue to discover things all the time and they can pick up new talents just like anybody else!
- Older people enjoy sex. In fact, some studies claim that people's sex lives become more adventurous due to better self-esteem, matured views on body image and fortified intimate relationships. Older people who enjoy regular sex in their 60's and 70's may even live longer than their chaste counterparts, benefiting from a sense of well-being and may even fend off things like heart disease!
These pervasive attitudes towards the elderly have really negative affects.
Age discrimination in employment is very real, and our culture on the whole is very youth-oriented, to the point when society excludes the middle-aged and the elderly.
When focusing on job discrimination, people who are older are (stereotypically speaking) much less likely to be hired than younger people because they are seen as less adaptable, more set in their ways, harder to train and less energetic. But ageism also swings in the opposite direction, with the marginalization and political powerlessness of younger people being equally as problematic.
Think about the ways in which our society views older people. Maybe it's Silicone valley's obsession with youth,
or the way Disney villains are always depicted as older than the hero/heroine.
Ageist attitudes are everywhere and it's up to us to challenge these negative stereotypes about age.
Old people are no different than you are me and one day, we'll both be old ourselves!
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