In a BBC article, reporter Molley Gorman highlights new research showing that a positive attitude toward ageing can help people feel younger and live longer. A US study also found that age-based prejudice is common. One in three people in the UK report experiencing it, and 93% of US adults aged 50 to 80 say they have faced some form of ageism.
Parminder Raina, scientific director at the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging in Canada, told BBC, “The interesting part of this whole phenomenon is the person who is ageist is going to be aged at some point in time. By 2030, one in six adults in the world will be aged 60 or over. Ageism is a very personal issue. But people don’t recognize it as a personal issue.”
Tsunami is a very destructive force. Ageing is not a destructive force. It is actually a remarkable achievement of the modern public health system.
– Parminder Raina (source: BBC)
Below are key highlights from the Gorman’s article:
- A self-fulfilling prophecy: Gorman explains that ageism can lead older adults to absorb negative stereotypes, which can affect their self-esteem and confidence. This process is known as stereotype embodiment theory. It can become stronger through “stereotype threat,” where awareness of age affects performance. Many common ideas about ageing are shaped by society and do not reflect the reality of most older adults, who live independently and stay active in their communities.
- No limits: Gorman notes that ageism and self-stereotyping can harm both physical and mental health and may lead to social isolation. On the other hand, positive views of ageing are linked to longer life, better memory, and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. She suggests that cultural attitudes toward ageing need to shift to reduce ageism and encourage stronger connections between generations.
- Overcoming age biases: Gorman points out that challenging age stereotypes takes effort. It calls for both cultural change and more interaction between age groups. Intergenerational programs, often seen in blue zones, can help reduce ageism and support longer, healthier lives by building social connections.
Becca Levy, professor of epidemiology and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health in Connecticut, and author of Breaking the Age Code, found that people with positive beliefs about ageing live about seven and a half years longer on average. In the article, Gorman highlights Levy’s ABC method for building positive age beliefs:
- A is for awareness: Notice your existing beliefs about ageing. One way to do this is to keep a diary for a week and write down the age-related messages you come across in daily life.
- B is for blame: Think about where problems come from and when ageism may be the cause. People often blame ageing itself instead of unfair treatment. For example, if a healthcare provider refuses a preventive treatment because of age, it is useful to recognize this as ageism.
- C is for challenge: Question whether a stereotype is true. Gorman refers to research showing that learning new skills, such as quilting or digital photography, can improve memory in older adults.
In conclusion, Gorman suggests that ageism is a widespread form of prejudice that most people will face at some point. Research shows that addressing it can benefit everyone.
Acknowledgement: This summary was generated using AI writing tools as part of my AI Explorations process. For more information, please refer to the original article listed below.