impact of ageism is significant . Compelling research shows that ageism has detrimental effects on the health and wellbeing of older adults . The psychological mechanism for these effects is the internalization of self-fulfilling age stereotypes . Holding more negative age stereotypes , for example , has been found to be associated with a greater likelihood of future hospitalization , poorer hearing and memory , and early biomarkers for Alzheimer ’ s disease . Conversely , people with more positive self-perceptions of aging tend to practice more preventative health behaviours ( eating a balanced diet and exercising , for example ) and to live seven-and-a-half years longer than those with more negative self-perceptions . If you doubt the transformative power of internalizing age stereotypes , when was the last time you heard a simple memory lapse attributed not to busyness or other external factors , but to one ’ s age ? If you were the one who claimed to be having a “ senior moment ,” the process of becoming a stereotypical “ old person ” has begun !
My mother was right : ageism influences how older people are valued and how we value ourselves . Ageism matters and we need to do something about it . The WHO ’ s strategies to combat ageism focus on instituting policies and laws and on educational and intergenerational interventions . Become involved and consider supporting the efforts of organizations in your community pursuing these strategies . As an individual , you can increase awareness about ageism and its impacts . Accompanying this article is an infographic produced by Age Friendly Edmonton as part of its initiative to stop ageism . Look at it and think about the information in it ; then pass on the infographic link by email or social media and start having conversations with others about ageism . Collectively and individually , we can make a difference and must stop ageism .
Sheree T . Kwong See , PhD , is a professor of psychology at the University of Alberta . She conducts research on the development and impact of age stereotyping and ageism in real-world contexts . From 2016 – 19 Sheree was appointed by the Government of Alberta to serve as the Alberta Seniors Advocate . This article was written on behalf of Age Friendly Edmonton as part of its initiative to stop ageism .
AGING IS UNIVERSAL it ’ s time we embrace it
THE POWER OF PERCEPTION
People with positive perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with negative perceptions .
MYTH BUSTING : STEREOTYPES VS . REALITY
THE STEREOTYPE
Growing older leads to significant cognitive and physical decline .
Older people are a burden .
Aging involves a loss of independence .
THE REALITY
Most seniors don ’ t develop severe memory loss . Physical changes , such as reduced muscle volume and strength , can be slowed or prevented with regular exercise .
Older adults are often providers of help , serving as volunteers , caregivers and workers .
Over 90 % of older adults live in their own homes .
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