HLTHAGE 1BB3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Ageism, Malcolm Cowley
11 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Cultural representation of aging: stereotypes, myths and ageism. Why are stereotypes problematic: myths: widely held false assumptions, prejudice: preconceived idea, discrimination: action you take on a group based on preconceived ideas. Myths of aging: common myths, aging is a burden on society, lifestyle changes won"t help an elderly person, the older you get the sicker you will become, older people area drain on the economy. 2 everyone is young, thereby failing to respond appropriately to the real needs of older persons. Ageist beliefs and their impact: internalization, we start by growing old in other people"s eyes, then slowly we come to share their judgement (malcolm cowley, 1980, performance, age-based rationing. How can individuals combat ageism: examine our own myths and stereotypes and behaviour toward older people, notice older people are treated in everyday and in the media, enhance our knowledge about aging and the older population.
