Ageism and Technology in Society

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AGEISM:
Ageism for the purpose of this discussion will refer to stereotyping, discriminatory and oppressive practices towards the older population, those individuals over age fifty. Public policy, health careers, and social programs within contextual framework of our society’s norms are influenced by negative attitudes towards aging. The definition of ageism is, “stereotypes which are generalized beliefs or opinions based in individual experience, often produced by irrational thinking. Stereotyping whether direct or subtle is usually inaccurate, emotional impressions, and not based on objective information” (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p.32). Some stereotypes are older people are poor, unhealthy, and unable to learn new technology.
For instance, “the Detroit syndrome is a media term that describes an older person in terms of being obsolete” (Hiller & Barrow, 2011b, p. 12). Over generalization, attitudes such as old people are narrow-minded, set in their ways, slow thinkers, untrainable, and are ageist attitudes. Stephen J. Cutler, PhD, professor of sociology at University of Vermont ...

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