A number of my posts have focused on Ageism. Now let’s explore more about its structure. First a reliable source, Wikapedia that tells us that: “Ageism, also called discrimination is stereotyping of and discrimination against individuals or groups because of their age. It is a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify age based prejudice, discrimination, and subordination.” It is good to remember that ageism is also directed towards younger people.
The next information was gathered from a textbook I have used in my aging class for many years[i] Ageism is a form of stereotype, which “… is a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions.”
Ageism is in part a reflection of our fear of dying and is also connected to the idea of “apocalyptic demography” which is currently having negative influence on Canada’s health care policy and other seniors’ issues.
Think of our world’s current financial situation. With so many people out of jobs etc. It is easy to believe that seniors are a burden that must be lifted. After all they have had their chance and spending money on them takes it away from younger people. “Out with the old, In with the new!”
Some ideas related to this attitude are presented in the textbook. It’s first comments are about mandatory Retirement which as been eliminated in Canada and the United States. We are told that in spite of this improvement, ageism towards both younger and older workers ability exists even with the growing use of equal opportunities legislation. Older people applying for jobs are competing with a growing number younger people. Ageist attitudes of potential employers seem to be directed upward rather than downward.
There is also a brief discussion of ageism and sexuality. The prejudice is that seniors lack interest in sexual activity. And if you are an interested male, you are probably “a dirty old man.” Even with the emergence of such sexual enhancers as Viagra, prejudice continues. I wonder how many males, worried about their capability, have bought into the sales pitch of Viagra producers.
I recently I came upon an online article that discusses not only ageism but other forms of intergroup prejudice such as sexism and racism[ii] I am going to display their ageist items next.
.
Ageism statements
Instructions: Please indicate how descriptive each statement is of your beliefs by circling the number that corresponds to your response. (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree)
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
1. Complex and interesting conversation cannot be expected
from most old people.
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
2. FSA-7: Most old people would be considered to have poor personal hygiene
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
3. FSA-8: Most old people can be irritating because they tell the
same stories over and over again
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
4. FSA-13: Old people don’t really need to use our community sports facilities.
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
5. FSA-15: It is best that old people live where they won’t bother
anyone.
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
6. FSA-16: The company of most old people is quite enjoyable. (R)
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
7. FSA-20: I sometimes avoid eye contact with old people when I see them
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
8. FSA-21: I don’t like it when old people try to make conversation
with me.
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
9. FSA-27: I personally would not want to spend much time with an
old person.
1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )
Finally, It is a good thing to remember that persons who accept ageist stereotypes will reap the reward of self-stereotyping, as they get older.
[i] Chappell, N., Mcdonald, L. & Stones, M. (2008) Aging in Contemporary Canada, 2nd Ed, Pearson Prentice Hall
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