Discuss ageism and describe the negative stereotypes associated with older persons

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Stereotypes regarding older persons reinforce ageism—prejudice and discrimination against people on the basis of age, particularly against older persons. Ageism against older persons is rooted in the assumption that people become unattractive, unintelligent, asexual, unemployable, and mentally incompetent as they grow older. Ageism is reinforced by stereotypes, whereby people have narrow, fixed images of certain groups.

One-sided and exaggerated images of older people are used repeatedly in everyday life. Older persons are often stereotyped as thinking and moving slowly; as being bound to themselves and their past, unable to change and grow; as being unable to move forward and often moving backward. They are viewed as cranky, sickly, and lacking in social value. The media contribute to negative images of older persons. This is especially true with regard to advertising. Stereotypes also contribute to the view that women are "old" 10 to 15 years sooner than men. Fortunately, in recent years there has been a growing effort by the media to draw attention to the contributions, talents, and stamina of older persons rather than showing only stereotypical and negative portrayals. Many older people buffer themselves against ageism by continuing to view themselves as being in middle adulthood long after their actual chronological age would suggest otherwise.