The Aging And Old Age

Society’s perception on ageism is a major contributor to the well-being of both the elderly and the young which therefore, directly affects the relationships within the family unit. Research has proven the way in which the elderly our treated by the community and the family unit is associated with the overall feelings of society toward being antiquated. “How people view and perceive the aging process varies greatly from culture to culture. Depending on cultural norms, beliefs, and standards, aging can be seen as undesirable phenomena, reducing beauty and bringing one closer to death, or as an accumulation of wisdom and status worthy of respect. In some cases, numerical age is important (whether good or bad), whereas in other cases the stage

It is evident how it has affected the elderly and therefore the relationships involved. The United States put tremendous emphasis on youth, looks, and performance; therefore the aged are viewed as useless. In his study Aging and Old Age, Posner (1997) discovered “resentment and disdain of older people” in American society. The stereotypes, discrimination, and devaluing of the elderly can have significant effects on the aged which affects their self-esteem, emotional well-being, and behavior. When this attitude is repeatedly reflected upon them, they begin to feel useless. Older people may begin to feel like dependent, noncontributing members of society. They may start to perceive themselves the way others in society see them.” Studies have also specifically shown that when older people hear, though stereotypes about their supposed incompetence and uselessness, they performed worse on a measure of competency and memory; in effect, though stereotypes become self-fulfilling prophecy” In modern societies of America, the elderly care is being provided by the state or private institutions and death is viewed as a loss and something to be feared. As long as this attitude continues the cycle it produces will as well. The aging process has become a shameful experience and youth has become an explosive obsession. This produces great depression within our elderly and therefore a negative effect on parents and grandchildren. Constant verbal and nonverbal devaluing messages from youthful society spoken by way of media, family systems, and commerce breaks down the self-esteem, emotional well-being, and behavior of the aged. Research has found that cultures that practice negative attitudes toward the aged are more likely to face higher rates of depression and suicide rates in the over 65 age population. The Western culture society will miss out on the relationships that could be cultivated and the celebration of