Stereotypes Of Aging Essay

There are negative and positive stereotypes to aging. Often negative stereotypes refer to persons in their later old age, 80+ years old. This age range is generally identified through their wrinkled skin and slowing pace. Positive stereotypes generally involve the younger old age, those whom still look youthful. The 65-70 year age range may be a group that the general public has more interaction with and therefore more positive experiences The difficulty in obtaining resources to get out of the home in a persons later years, enables the stereotype that those in late old age are recluse and out of touch with society (Harwood, 2007). However, society is not providing a solution to these issues of later life.

Attitude is formed early in life. Social identity theory provides an interesting perspective. Social identity theory states that “once you identify with a particular group, you will want to view that group positively, and as a result you may be inclined to view other groups negatively” (Harwood, p. 55). Attitude can be formed and encouraged by media to include television shows, books, and advertisements. Often the elderly are made fun of, shown as goofy and forgetful, and
This is a group that is active and working longer than previous generations. After their initial career, many continue on to a second career or continue participating in societal activities and volunteerism. This seems to have prompted society to begin portraying the elderly in more positive and even sexy way in the media. The deinstitutionalization of the oldest old is also a way to change the attitudes of society towards the elderly. Certainly the idea of Aging in Place contributes to this idea. Although some of the oldest old require an institution for safety, many elderly could be supported with appropriate resources in less restrictive environments that allow the elderly to continue being a more integral part of our