At the Yale School of Medicine, epidemiologist Becca Levy found that older adults who view aging negatively live 7. According to the World Health Organization, being the object of ageism can increase depression.
On the other hand, another study showed that exposing older adults to subliminal positive messages about aging frequently helped their mobility and balance. Older adults can begin to doubt their own abilities — if someone says it, it must be true. When an older person is shown on TV or in print, often they are either touting anti-aging products or tend to be physically vibrant, ultra-active boomers who climb mountains and run marathons, thanks to medication.
Why is there so much negativity? Medicine is improving, and life expectancy is increasing. Technology is allowing older adults to stay more independent and engaged. The potential period to be productive after retirement maybe a second or even a third career? As there is more intergenerational interaction — whether in formal or informal programs, cohousing, or other intentional communities — children, parents, and others will better realize the contributions of elders.
At the same time, older people will gain a greater sense of purpose and self. According to U. Some examples:. The Positive Aging Movement , which believes that productivity, growth, and creativity are possible throughout the life span, holds international conferences with hundreds of attendees.
Recognize it. To create awareness requires understanding that there is a problem. Speak up! If you hear something ageist, consider pointing it out. On the other hand, society has historically been dependent on our elders, who have been of service to the young. Given that someone who is moving into a retirement home today is, on average, 81 years old, we have many productive elders in our midst who are growing whole, not just old.
So, what comes first, Modern Elders or less ageism? Mining mastery in organizations fosters more meaningful collaborations between generations and creates the conditions for greater wisdom and success.
As deeply divided as we are politically and culturally today, the eventual arrival of elderhood is a condition that unites us.
Wisdom precedes us and will succeed us. The Modern Age needs Modern Elders. You have 1 free article s left this month. You are reading your last free article for this month. Subscribe for unlimited access. Create an account to read 2 more. Relish the experience and wisdom that come with age and put them to good use. Be as independent as you can. Do your own banking. Eat out in restaurants.
Surround yourself with younger people. Taking a class at the gym or the community college with younger people will help fight ageism, Chun says. Join in activities at your church keeps Mattie Woodson, 94, of Seattle, interested in life, she says. Same for Margaret Hardin, , who also lives in Seattle. Woodson enjoys Pilates. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. By Beth W. Reviewed: October 13, Medically Reviewed. What Is Ageism? Ageism in the Workplace Dallas resident Alex Kaplinsky was confident he would be hired for a sales job after a headhunter approached him.
Ageism Where You Least Expect It While workplace ageism may be the most blatant form, older Americans also encounter ageism in public settings, and even in their own families.
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