Question

Common stereotypes in ageing

Answer 1

Ageing can be defined as the process of getting old. It is defined as the change in physical, psychological and social status of human being associated with growing age.

Stereotypes are any beliefs, ideas or thoughts associated with a particular thing or situation. There many stereotypes associated with ageing. Depending on positive pr negative stereotypes towards ageing highly impact the older population.

The common stereotypes associated with ageing are:

• Ageing is associated with ill health and decline in physiological functions. It is believed that illness and diseases are inevitable in old age and ageing leads to impairment in bodily functions and processes.
• Ageing is associated with dependency on others. People believe that ageing leads to impairment of body functions that restricts or limits daily activities of elders. This leads to dependency on family, friends and care givers.
• Poor mental function: it is believed that with increase in age mental status is impaired. Often ageing is associated with weak memory, poor recognition of places and people. Ageing is also associated with mental disorders like dementia, Alzeihmers, Parkinsons.