Learning more about Ageism

A Comprehensive Definition of Ageism[i]

         This article is an extremely useful one as it encourages us to look carefully at what we mean by the term ageism. It is based on a review of ageist research projects and provides us with deeper meaning.  I am going to reproduce and discuss a couple of paragraphs on page 15.  The section is entitled “A comprehensive definition of Ageism. Then I will add some comments of my own.

“Our comprehensive definition of Ageism is as follows:

 

         “Ageism is defined as negative or positive stereotypes, prejudice, and/or discrimination against (or advantage of) elderly people on the basis of their chronological age or on the basis of a perception of them as being ‘old’.  Ageism can be implicit or explicit and can be expressed on a micro- meso- or macro-level.”

         The concept includes the classic social psychological components in the form of; 1) cognitive (stereotypes), 2) affective (prejudice) and 3) behavioral components (discrimination);  in other words, how we on the basis chronological age or age categorization mistakenly: 1) think about, 2) feel about, 3) and act toward the aging human. Furthermore, ageism can operate both consciously (explicitly) and unconsciously (implicitly); and it can manifest itself on three different levels:  individual (micro-level), in social networks (meso-level), and institutional  and cultural level (macro-level).

As a consequence the definition contains the following key dimensions:

      The three classic components (the cognitive, affective and       behavioral)

      The positive/negative aspect (positive and negative ageism)

      The conscious/unconscious aspect (implicit and explicit       ageism)

      The typological division of levels (ageism on micro-, meso-  and       macro level.

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[i]  Iversen,  T.N, (2009). A Conceptual Analysis of Ageism, Nordic Psychology Vol             61,(3) 4-22   DOI 10.1027/1901-2276.61.3.4

Maintaing Self-Esteem After The Last Day

 Self-Esteem After Retirement[i]

         
After retirement some of us, especially if we have had professional careers, may find ourselves longing for the power and/or prestige related our previous employment.  In short, we need to be noticed. For me as a former university professor, it is a question of prestige more than power.  Standing in front of the class lecturing or facilitating discussion groups is both challenging and exciting.  And, having someone I meet on the street say “Hi professor Anderson” is very pleasing.

         The question is will my former successes get in the way during my retirement adjustment. Will I be able to let go of my previouexpectations?  It is now a year since I retired and I have recently signed on as a substitute instructor at Kwantlen. Since last September I’ve been called a couple of times to substitute for someone who couldn’t make it to class. It is really interesting to be a guest speaker in the classroom and only having to teach one class.

         The creation and presentation of my blog and workshops have been a way of adjusting to a new life. I will still be on centre stage as I facilitate the workshops and I have had visitors to my blog from all over the world. It would be nice if more made comments.

          These new experiences help me to reflect on my life and perhaps I will develop some wisdom about my life process.  Even now I reflect on the life I have left, what think what skills I will be able to bring to the community and appropriate goals to set until the end. 

         I developed my first university goals during my last year of high school when I decided to go to university and continue playing football.  After achieving my undergraduate degree I went on to get my Masters and PhD degrees. Some of my football co-players at the University Tommy Larscheid and Merlin Olsen expanded their sports goals from university and became famous as athletic professionals. I followed the goal of becoming a university professor.  For the last ten years I’ve been on the Board of the local senior’s centre and now I’ve created this blog. Each of us has a unique story that continues after we retire.  I would like to hear about some of yours. 

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[i]  Key ideas for this blog entry taken from:  Revitalizing Retirement by Nancy Schlossberg.

Who will I be when I Retire?

Retire or Not Retire That is a Question[i]

         This article talks about things that many of us avoid.  During the latter part of work do we begin to think about all the things we can do that we haven’t during the years of employment to “freedom” to do what we want.  “There will be time to travel, take holidays, and develop creative activities such as art, music, theatre or academic pursuits.”  By doing this the authors ask if we are resisting “…the prospect of aging and eventual death

         The relationship between work and identity is discussed  “Work and identity are closely allied. Laboro erfgo sum; my work is me; who will I be without work?   What will I lose?  My power, control, sense of importance and omnipotence, my need to be needed…”

         On a more optimistic note James Garner[ii] says:

“…many people are able to use later life as a time of positive development. Although for some retirement from work closes the door on creativity, for others the increased time available is put into further education, and the realization of undeveloped skills and talents and keeping and making relationships . . . perhaps aging itself can, for those with sufficient internal resources, be a creative process in developmental adaptation. Although a number of new experiences at this time of life will be negative ones, even these may strengthen the internal world. Development may be stimulated by changes and losses.”

         The article closes with an observation by Carl Jung who reminds us that older people in primitive societies were “…usually the guardians of mysteries and the laws and it was these that the cultural heritage of the society was expressed and preserved.  He goes on to ask where is the wisdom, the precious secrets and visions of the older adults, in our present-day societies.”

         Well, I just turned 73.  I’ve found a way to remain a “non regular” faculty (substitute teacher) at Kwantlen.  At the same time I have been practicing acrylic painting and next week will be entering 3 of my paintings to a gallery.  I’ll let you know if anyone purchases one.

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[i]  Kelly,M. & Barraat, G. (2007) Retirement: Phantasy and reality - Dying in the             saddle or facing up to it Psychodynamic Practice 13 (2)  Pp 197-202       Contact E-mail:             Michael_kelly@talktalk.net

[ii] Garner, J. (2004). Growing into old age: Erikson and others. In S. Evans & J             Garner (Eds.) Talking over years (Chap 6 pp. 71-86). Hove, Brunner- Routledge

Feelings About Work & Retirement

Work and Retirement For You

Which of these statements best represent your feelings. This survey is for your own discussion purposes. Find someone you can feel comfortable with and share ideas back and forth

1.  I am proud of my accomplishments during my work life.

2.  Looking back on my work life I feel that I have reached               the goals I set from myself.

3.  Over the years, I have been able to keep my perspective                    on the need to my community and society.

4.   I have a tendency to strive for perfection.

5.   While my work is important, I also enjoy volunteering in

          The community.

6.  I like retirement because it gives me freedom to pursue                    my own interests.

7.  I like retirement because I can spend more time with

          my family.

8.  I like retirement and have more control over my own life.

     9.  I like retirement because I have no boss

   10.  I like retirement because I have more time to travel

                 

           

Desiding How To Retire

Retire or Not Retire That is a Question[i]

         This article talks about things that many of us avoid.  During the latter part of work do we begin to think about all the things we can do that we haven’t during the years of employment to “freedom” to do what we want.  “There will be time to travel, take holidays, and develop creative activities such as art, music, theatre or academic pursuits.”  By doing this the authors ask if we are resisting “…the prospect of aging and eventual death

         The relationship between work and identity is discussed  “Work and identity are closely allied. Laboro erfgo sum; my work is me; who will I be without work?   What will I lose?  My power, control, sense of importance and omnipotence, my need to be needed…”

         On a more optimistic note James Garner[ii] says:

“…many people are able to use later life as a time of positive development. Although for some retirement from work closes the door on creativity, for others the increased time available is put into further education, and the realization of undeveloped skills and talents and keeping and making relationships . . . perhaps aging itself can, for those with sufficient internal resources, be a creative process in developmental adaptation. Although a number of new experiences at this time of life will be negative ones, even these may strengthen the internal world. Development may be stimulated by changes and losses.”

         The article closes with an observation by Carl Jung who reminds us that older people in primitive societies were “…usually the guardians of mysteries and the laws and it was these that the cultural heritage of the society was expressed and preserved.  He goes on to ask where is the wisdom, the precious secrets and visions of the older adults, in our present-day societies.”

         Well, I just turned 73.  I’ve found a way to remain a “non regular” faculty (substitute teacher) at Kwantlen.  At the same time I have been practicing acrylic painting and next week will be entering 3 of my paintings to a gallery.  I’ll let you know if anyone purchases one.

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[i]  Kelly,M. & Barraat, G. (2007) Retirement: Phantasy and reality - Dying in the             saddle or facing up to it Psychodynamic Practice 13 (2)  Pp 197-202  Contact E-mail:             Michael_kelly@talktalk.net

[ii] Garner, J. (2004). Growing into old age: Erikson and others. In S. Evans & J             Garner (Eds.) Talking over years (Chap 6 pp. 71-86). Hove, Brunner- Routledge

Digging into the Problem

Silent Ageism

         Ben, 76-years-old, was very frustrated, he had gotten used to being ignored. But a neighborhood meeting had been called to discuss the recent break-ins.  He was tired of being treated as if he didn’t exist.  It wasn’t that he experienced hostility he was ignored with sheer indifference.  Was he was talked to or he was patronized Since he had retired fifteen years ago from the community police force, he had gradually spent more and more time alone; especially after the loss of his wife three years ago.

         But this was too much. He was tired of being treated like a piece of furniture.  He was tired of being patronized when people did talked to him.   He has come to you for advice.  What questions would you ask and what behavior would you suggest.  If you reply on the blog we can begin a dialogue 

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