We’ve all heard it, and likely even spoken the words ourselves: “He’s having a senior moment.” Or, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” We may even chuckle at Dr. Rick, the guy from those Progressive Insurance commercials whose mission is to stop you from becoming your parents.
Harmless ribbing, we think. But is it? Oct. 9 is Ageism Awareness Day, a good time to consider a new perspective. Ageism is alive and well in advertising, as it is in the workplace, or in simple conversations at the post office. Many older adults report a better quality of life than younger adults. However, the stereotypes tell us we are grumpy, set in our ways, physically and cognitively incompetent, and a burden on society. The more we internalize those messages, the more it affects our health and well-being.
Becca Levy, professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health and of psychology at Yale University, calls negative stereotypes about aging “a public health issue.” Regardless of medical history, education level, or socioeconomic status, people with negative perceptions of aging have been found to have a median life expectancy that is 7.5 years shorter.
One of the most widespread and socially accepted forms of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” It impacts us at all ages, every time people make assumptions about us because of our age. Despite many pervasive myths about aging, reality is quite different.
● Myth: Aging is the same for everyone. Reality: Our experience of aging ranges widely, depending on many factors, from genetics to factors like policies and culture. Ageism exacerbates other experiences of discrimination.
● Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things, are hoarding wealth - and many other negative stereotypes portrayed in the media. Reality: We learn and engage at every age and older adults are not uniform in wealth, beliefs or any other aspect of who they are.
● Myth: Differences between generations are substantial. Reality: Differences between generations have been overblown, and we often share as much across generations as within them. These beliefs keep us from working together on issues that impact people of every age.
Fortunately, there are ways we can continue to shape positive views about aging, despite the messages that swirl around us. Adopting a more flexible, “age is just a number” mentality is a good first step. Also, frequent intergenerational contact can lead to less stereotyping between age groups and better attitudes about each other. Even small changes can make a big impact, and help build communities where everyone can age well.
