Learn More about Ageism and Discrimination

It is very common for older adults to face discrimination in housing, health, and other key services. They may be treated as burdens on services, excluded from or simply refused admission to services.  Learn to recognize when "neutral policies" are not "neutral" in their effect on seniors. Also recognize how ageism intersects with other "isms" such as sexism or racism.

As most of you know there are many posts on this blog the discuss ageism. I suggest that you go through each one and make notes.  Most of the posts have references and it is important to investigate them.

Todd Nelson has put together a book entitled Ageism[i]: Stereotyping and Prejudice Against Older Persons.  In the Preface of the book he has a section entitled Origins of Ageism.  The following material was gathered from there. “ Citing other authors he tells us that “ people have multiple, often contradictory views of older persons.  For instance “…today’s elders are seen as incompetent (low status) but warm (passive).   It has also been suggested, “…age prejudice arises out of a fear of our own mortality. 

In another chapter in the book some authors are cited as saying that “…children learn age prejudice at a very early age.”

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[i]  Todd D. Nelson edits book. Published in 2002 Ageism: Stereotyping and Prejudice Against Older adults. Published by A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, Cambridge Massachusetts, London, England  ISBN 0-262-14077-2 (hc. : alk. Paper)

Social Goals and Volunteering After Retirement

         There is quite a bit of evidence that older workers were more respected for our knowledge before the industrial revolution. In those days senior farmers’ experiences counted for something.  Now, with the rapid development of technology, especially computers, the average teenager seems to be leaping ahead with their Twitters, Cell Phones, and Facebook while at work we older workers are “facing” stereotypes such as low motivation, resistance to change, inflexibility, lack of creativity, and no interest in learning new skills.  Under these circumstances retirement, at least initially, may be a real relief. But we will still have to deal with certain stereotypes that, in the extreme, may lead us to feel that other people don’t need us.  And, when we die, we won’t even be remembered. 

         So during retirement we need to establish a new set of social evaluation criteria. Do we feel that we have a responsibility to improve our neighborhood?  What can we do for society after years of work experience?  What kinds of unique experiences can we share with the wider community? Do we have experiences volunteering? How can we help make things better?

         Much of our success in postretirement volunteering is connected with how we see ourselves and what we feel we can contribute

There are many opportunities listed on the Internet for. The following items are an example:

 Some Examples of how to help our community

• Volunteer at a seniors’ home/centre – visit, read, play cards or board games, take seniors for walks, make crafts.

• Help organize local community events – food drives/banks.

• Take part in environmental initiatives – cleaning and recycling                              operations, park cleanup, planting trees and flower beds.

• Get involved in charitable activities – walk-a-thons, daffodil sales,          canvassing for organizations.

• Assist with sports teams – community leagues, parks and recreation          programs.

• Volunteer in a leadership role with community groups.

• Volunteer in hospitals, libraries, or any organization recommended by  Volunteer Centers.

• Volunteer with social service or animal welfare agencies – Red Cross, United Way, Humane Society.

• Get involved in the democratic political process – scrutinizing,          canvassing, campaigning.

• Offer service through religious communities or places of worship.

• Assist with literacy initiatives – at local libraries, daycare centres,          community centres.

Affects of Ageism on Older Adults[i]

I recently came across a very interesting database that provides researched information about a large number of ideas and situations.  And, of course, I have first looked for stuff about ageism. The following, paraphrased material comes from there.

Society has changed and evolved in it’s concepts and understanding of technology.  How ever there has not been significant change in younger person’s attitudes about older adults.  This is particularly true when it comes to both older men and women at work and in public life.  Why is it so hard to overcome ageism?

There are all kinds of isms but ageism is subtler than, for example, racism or sexism.  And though there are aspects of “positive” ageism” it is quite negative.  “It is also thought that older adults become senile, cautious, dependent, to all especially family members.”  While not everyone thinks this completely, many focus on one or two of them.  It’s like the idea that when we reach a certain age our brains click off; like the day after they retire.   Some researchers have found that; “labeling someone as ‘old’ right away reduces expectations about that person…”

The effects of ageism are costly. For example, we older person who face age prejudice constantly often begin to accept it’s ideas for ourselves and allow ourselves to become more dependent on others and this reduces our level of self esteem which in turn triggers ageist self attitudes.

Another consequence of ageism is reduced social security.  With postive ageism. “It is thought “.. That elders are now financially sound, better off mentally, psychically, and socially.”  This may lead to government cuts in financial support programs.

What can we do about this?   One thing we need to do is examine the media.  “The media is most likely the number one source people spread and adopt these negative stereotypes of older people.  There are limited time slots older adults receive in the media and the air time they get is about Alzheimer’s diseases or skin care etc”

Finally,  “ In the whole, ageism cannot be defeated unless the privileged younger people change their attitudes toward aging. These younger people who are promoting stereotypes need to realize that in about 20 or 30 years they also will be old but hopefully the younger generation then will not have negative views. “   People of all ages need to cooperate.  And we older adults need to open up and be willing to learn new things after retirement.  This is believed is the essence of wisdom. 

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[i]  For more information go to:  www.antiessays.com/freeessays/12963

More About Ageism

Affects of Ageism on Older Adults[i]

I recently came across a very interesting database that provides researched information about a large number of ideas and situations.  And, of course, I have first looked for stuff about ageism. The following, paraphrased material comes from there.

Society has changed and evolved in it’s concepts and understanding of technology.  How ever there has not been significant change in younger person’s attitudes about older adults.  This is particularly true when it comes to both older men and women at work and in public life.  Why is it so hard to overcome ageism?

There are all kinds of isms but ageism is subtler than, for example, racism or sexism.  And though there are aspects of “positive” ageism” it is quite negative.  “It is also thought that older adults become senile, cautious, dependent, to all especially family members.”  While not everyone thinks this completely, many focus on one or two of them.  It’s like the idea that when we reach a certain age our brains click off; like the day after they retire.   Some researchers have found that; “labeling someone as ‘old’ right away reduces expectations about that person…”

The effects of ageism are costly. For example, we older person who face age prejudice constantly often begin to accept it’s ideas for ourselves and allow ourselves to become more dependent on others and this reduces our level of self esteem which in turn triggers ageist self attitudes.

Another consequence of ageism is reduced social security.  With postive ageism. “It is thought “.. That elders are now financially sound, better off mentally, psychically, and socially.”  This may lead to government cuts in financial support programs.

What can we do about this?   One thing we need to do is examine the media.  “The media is most likely the number one source people spread and adopt these negative stereotypes of older people.  There are limited time slots older adults receive in the media and the air time they get is about Alzheimer’s diseases or skin care etc”

Finally,  “ In the whole, ageism cannot be defeated unless the privileged younger people change their attitudes toward aging. These younger people who are promoting stereotypes need to realize that in about 20 or 30 years they also will be old but hopefully the younger generation then will not have negative views. “   People of all ages need to cooperate.  And we older adults need to open up and be willing to learn new things after retirement.  This is believed is the essence of wisdom. 

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[i]  For more information go to:  www.antiessays.com/freeessays/12963