At the January Senior Education Network meeting, Dr Gloria Luong, Assistant Professor at CSU Human Development and Family Studies Department, presented Part II on Ageism. For Part I on ageism, please see our December Larimer edition. Ageism is the discrimination of people of any age, but mostly affects senior adults. Dr. Luong discussed stereotypes of aging: where they come from and how they can lead to implicit biases, prejudice, and discrimination.
Dr. Luong gave an example of ageism showing two persons named Anna on a screen with each not paying for a store item. The younger Anna in her 20s had a history of shoplifting, while the older Anna in her 80s may have a history of dementia. Would you prosecute both or just one? Most of the audience said prosecute only the younger Anna because of her past shoplifting history!
She explained stereotypes are socially shared beliefs about characteristics or behaviors of a particular social group. This is based upon past observations of average trends of these different groups. Several negative stereotypes are working with grouchy or forgetful older people.
There is a dark side of stereotypes as we deny people their individuality because behaviors are dependent on situations. This can influence ways we interact and behave with others. Sometimes there is a double standard affecting older adults as they are judged and discriminated against because of their age. Discrimination exists because of 1) prejudice, thoughts or feelings of social behaviors against older adults, and 2) implicit attitudes towards seniors that they are grouchy or lazy, slow or forgetful.
A recent U.S. study was completed with different age groups on ageism. The results indicated 35% strongly prefer working with younger people than older people, while 29% moderately prefer working with younger people due to less confrontation and perceived laziness or slow in achieving goals. Only 4% strongly felt working with older people more than younger people because of their experience and wisdom. Interestingly, studies show there is less ageism in Asia and Europe due to their cultures in helping seniors and older family members.
If you’re interested in testing your perceived biases on ageism, you can take this 10 minute test on ageism at https://implicit.harvard. edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1.
Dr. Luong recommended several strategies to reduce implicit negative feelings toward older adults:
1) Be aware of your personal biases against seniors
2) Don’t let first impressions guide your judgement
3) Confirm your personal stereotypes before interacting with seniors
4) Even negative stereotypes may force you to act towards older adults!