Ageism has come center stage in American politics recently. But even before we started discussing the memory of our presidential candidates, ageism has determined our views on older adults. It has long been one of the only socially accepted -isms, but is built upon assumptions and myths about the physical and mental decline of a person past their fifties.
The World Health Organization (WHO), describes ageism as how we think, feel, and act towards others based on age. Whether we are aware of it or not, there is a constant presence of prejudice and discrimination based on stereotypes of older adults. These stereotypes usually have to do with an older adult’s mental and physical abilities; we tend to assume that they are rapidly decaying and are not able to participate in their communities as they once did. According to WHO, one out of two people globally participate in ageism.
We at NHCOA, and other like-minded organizations, know that these stereotypes are unfair. These people are community members who have made valuable contributions their whole lives, and many of them continue to do so well into their later years. It’s true that older adults are in need of our support, good healthcare, and wellness practices, but it’s important to remember that they are not children, and they are nothing less than a full-fledged members of the community.
Some may believe that ageism isn’t much of a problem, which is why it continues to be fairly invisible and socially accepted. But to accept ageism, to believe the stereotypes, is to internalize the myth. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that internalizing the message that old age means rapid decline, can be rather dangerous for us as we age. If we believe that our mental and physical decline is a given, then why would we work to improve our health?
When we commit to a negative understanding of old age, we are more likely to experience higher levels of stress about aging, which in turn makes us more vulnerable to the many diseases linked to aging. We are also less likely to engage in wellness behaviors, like exercising and following medical treatments. WHO states that ageism can be internalized as early as four years old, which is exactly why we should be working to deconstruct it.
Whether you are a relative friend, or caregiver to an older adult. You should remember that they hold a wealth of experience and valuable perspective, with years of work and support to show for their long life. The National Hispanic Council on Aging encourages everyone to recognize older adults for the valuable resources they remain to be in their later years. They deserve our respect, and our support for all that they have done, and continue to offer to their communities.
Sources:
Kirsten Weir, “Ageism is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices. Psychologists are working to change that,” American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/cover-new-concept-of-aging#:~:text=Ageism%20is%20defined%20as%20discrimination,as%20racism%20and%20gender%20bias
“Ageism,” Health Topics, World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/ageism
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