Stereotypes Associated with Old Age (Essay Sample)

Stereotypes Associated with Old Age
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Stereotypes are common and are often psychologically described as a set of beliefs that shape our way of thinking and behavior in the society. Such stereotypes are sometimes used to describe the aged in society. Ageing is inevitable at least in human life, yet some of the beliefs have been cited to portray the old as senile, inactive, unhappy, difficult to train and so forth. Such stereotypical generality against the old have adverse effects, for they not only meddle with the old people’s thrive and happiness but also have detrimental persuasion on their strength and well-being (Centreforconfidence.co.uk, n.d.).
The US’s most populace is getting aged currently, and therefore deliberate endeavors should be initiated to address this stereotyping culture. Developmental psychologists are necessary to aid in relieving the stereotypical effects and increase life expectancy. Many studies have so far revealed that there is a connection between stereotypes and well-being of the aged. For instance, study by Levy et all disclosed that sharing positives views about the old increases life expectancy (Centreforconfidence.co.uk, n.d.). Consequently, study by Ellen Langer and colleagues revealed one can influence what the old perceive of themselves and transform the attitude via change of environment. She encouraged the old to imagine and chat like they are in their 50s (Centreforconfidence.co.uk, n.d.), and within a week their health as well as ageing seemed to reverse. Such psychological intervention improves self-esteem and life expecta...