As elders, we have lived long and productive lives for the most part, and we can expect to live well past the traditional retirement age of 65. Indeed, many of us live another quarter century and continue to be productive. Yet older people are stereotyped as forgetful, slow, child-like, and needy.
Have you characterized yourself as having a "senior moment?" Have you said, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks?" Seniors argue for their own limitations all the time. If you are having an episode of poor health, or recovering from a joint replacement, have your caregivers seen you as a competent, possibly wiser, adult? Or were they subtly talking down to you by addressing you as "honey" or "darling."
Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine published a review of scholarly literature that concluded: "
The study confirmed a negative association between ageism and older adults’ psychological well-being, finding that older adults with a high level of psychological well-being may be less negatively affected by ageism, especially those who were proud of their age group, experienced less negative emotions, were more optimistic about aging and their future, were more self-confident about their bodies, and were flexible in setting goals. The identified mediators of the association can inform intervention development to the effects of ageism and improve older adults’ psychological well-being." Read Article
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