LEC3: Ageism Flashcards
What is Ageism?
Discrimination (altered treatment or behavior) based on age or assumed age
Main finding: _______ of birthday cards sold in retail stores in Red Deer, AB depicted aging negatively, although humor was often intended.
67%
Birthday cards about aging: major negative themes
- Messages that propagate stereotypes
- Life is essentially over, nothing left to look forward to
- Not showing your age
- Aging is not good, but things could be worse
Birthday cards about aging: major positive themes
- Celebrating a special milestone
- Things getting better with age
- Age is a matter of mind
Impact of Aging Stereotypes (Bennett and Gaines, 2010): stereotype threat hypothesis
When an older adult is afraid or anxious of their behavior aligning with an aging stereotype, their actual performance of a task may decrease because of the fear or anxiety.
Impact of Aging Stereotypes (Bennett and Gaines, 2010): comparison hypothesis
- When older people do not apply the negative stereotypes to themselves; they constantly compare themselves to
their peers and find themselves to be doing better than the rest. - No decrease in an older adult’s self-esteem because they see themselves as different from those who do fit the stereotypes.
Impact of Aging Stereotypes (Bennett and Gaines, 2010): externalization hypothesis
- When older adults perceive their problems as “normal” or “expected” for their age
- This way of thinking may help reduce the emotional turmoil that may be experienced with loss
- Aging expectations are continually lowered based upon negative stereotypes
Impact of Aging Stereotypes (Bennett and Gaines, 2010): internalization hypothesis
- When older adults take the stereotypes of aging that they have carried throughout their lives and apply these to themselves
- The stereotypes they have previously applied to others become a self-fulfilling prophesy
