Question

the preconceived ideas people have about the aging process and people who have become old. These are often stereotypes, like a grumpy old man, a slow driver, an old woman who can't use a computer. Sometimes they seem to be nice, like assuming an elderly woman has grandchildren and likes to talk about them. But often they are used to avoid including older people, (would you think to ask an older person to volunteer at a FunRun by handing out drinks?). They are also used to make them seem less like 'real' people with feelings and rights, to seem mean and undeserving of public resources, notice or friendliness. During the semester, look for instances of Ageism around you: in the media, in advertising, jokes that people make, frustration they express, on TV, magazines, and also by professionals in your field. (more)

Paper Outline: When you find an example of Ageism, write it down. Then analyze what is the preconceived idea that is out-of-sync/inaccurate. "That older driver is slowing me down. All old people are terrible, slow drivers." Find a few facts: "He seemed slow because the speed limit is 30 mph here." ;-) I.e., look at different perspectives. Give the idea a reality check: "Would some older people like running events, as onlookers or participants?" Finally, describe how this idea harms older people or isolates them from interacting with everyone else. "If older people aren't welcomed to planning for community fitness projects, we won't see that projects that are attractive and important to them, like walking trails, could improve the health of old and young alike."

Answer 1

The term ageism isused to describe negative attitudes towards aging or older adults. That is someone considers you unfairly because of your age. An example is that a patient is refused to have consultation with specialist because he is having age of 85 years. Many negative attitudes about aging are based on myths and incorrect information regarding growing older.

Studies have proven that as age advances the field of vision decreases and the older people have to take much more effort to know the surrounding. Driving slowly gives additional time. This is the major reason for slow driving in older people. Also in case if an accident occurred older people are more prone to get injured. In other perspective older people may be well conscious about the traffic rules speed limit etc. So they tent to show their obligation to that.

We need to acknowledge the older adults ability to think, reason and make decision. Most older adults are willing to listen to suggestions and advice, but they do not want to be ordered around. Older adults appreciate same thoughtfulness, consideration and acceptance of their abilities as younger people do. The older adults must be given importance in planning community. That is the suggestions, values and abilities of the old age is to be accepted.