Myths of Aging
Myths of Aging
Leslie L. Sanderford
GRO320
Instructor Peggy Allen
June 13, 2011
Largest among the growing populations is the age group 65 and older. This course required us to complete Dr. Woolf’s myths of aging quiz. This quiz has 25 questions all about aging issues. In our textbook, “Adult Development and Aging,” Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2011) state, “Everyone does not grow old in the same way. Whereas most people tend to show usual patterns of aging that reflect the typical, or normative, changes with age, other people show highly successful aging in which few signs of change occur” (p. 16). An analysis of Dr. Woolf’s myths of aging quiz will show several different areas to consider in regards to the journey that this dynamic and growing population undertakes. I will show my results of taking this quiz and my knowledge of the topics; as well as discuss what I find most interesting; the myth that chronological age is the most important determinant of someone’s age. Let’s first take a look at my results: I answered correctly 15 out of the 25 questions. I really thought that I would grade higher on this quiz. I have been working with the elderly in depth for the past 14 years and have already passed two classes on aging with an A grade! I have to say I was disappointed in myself! I wonder if I have fallen into the Ageism trap, buying into the myths despite my experience and education. Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2011) state “aging reflects the individual differences you have come to expect across people as they change over time” (p.3). My results clearly state that my knowledge of topics related to aging is less than I anticipated. In the 21st century unfortunately we have come across a new social problem that has become very widespread. Hillier and Barrow (2011) borrow the definition of Ageism as such a problem, “defined as the prejudiced behavior of individuals and systems within the culture against
Leslie L. Sanderford
GRO320
Instructor Peggy Allen
June 13, 2011
Largest among the growing populations is the age group 65 and older. This course required us to complete Dr. Woolf’s myths of aging quiz. This quiz has 25 questions all about aging issues. In our textbook, “Adult Development and Aging,” Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2011) state, “Everyone does not grow old in the same way. Whereas most people tend to show usual patterns of aging that reflect the typical, or normative, changes with age, other people show highly successful aging in which few signs of change occur” (p. 16). An analysis of Dr. Woolf’s myths of aging quiz will show several different areas to consider in regards to the journey that this dynamic and growing population undertakes. I will show my results of taking this quiz and my knowledge of the topics; as well as discuss what I find most interesting; the myth that chronological age is the most important determinant of someone’s age. Let’s first take a look at my results: I answered correctly 15 out of the 25 questions. I really thought that I would grade higher on this quiz. I have been working with the elderly in depth for the past 14 years and have already passed two classes on aging with an A grade! I have to say I was disappointed in myself! I wonder if I have fallen into the Ageism trap, buying into the myths despite my experience and education. Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2011) state “aging reflects the individual differences you have come to expect across people as they change over time” (p.3). My results clearly state that my knowledge of topics related to aging is less than I anticipated. In the 21st century unfortunately we have come across a new social problem that has become very widespread. Hillier and Barrow (2011) borrow the definition of Ageism as such a problem, “defined as the prejudiced behavior of individuals and systems within the culture against