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
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
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,