I used to laugh at those Progressive Insurance commercials on television featuring “Dr. Rick”, a therapist whose mission is to “stop you from becoming your parents.” The way he coaches “clients” away from having random conversations with strangers in the hardware store, putting their cell phones on speaker, or posting too many pictures on Facebook seemed like harmless ribbing.
Then I started reading about what happens when middle aged and older adults begin believing the ageist media messages we are inundated with on a daily basis. As it turns out, it is no laughing matter. Ageism is alive and well in advertising, as it is in the workplace, or in simple conversations at the post office. Many older adults report a better quality of life than younger adults. However, the stereotypes tell us we are grumpy, set in our ways, physically and cognitively incompetent, and a burden on society. The more we internalize those messages, the more it affects our health and well-being.
Becca Levy, PhD, professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health and of psychology at Yale University, calls negative stereotypes about aging “a public health issue.” Regardless of medical history, education level, or socioeconomic status, people with negative perceptions of aging have been found to have:
• Higher rates of cardiac disease
• A median life expectancy that is 7.5 years shorter
• Less chance of recovering from a severe disability
• Poorer memory and cognition
• Lower quality diet and exercise
• Less inclination to take medication as expected
Fortunately, there are ways we can continue to shape positive views about aging, despite the messages that swirl around us. Adopting a more flexible, “age is just a number” mentality is a good first step. Also, frequent intergenerational contact can lead to less stereotyping between age groups and better attitudes about each other.
And Jelena Sophie Siebert, a lead author of a German study called “Attitude Toward Own Aging” offers this advice: “Resist blaming age for things you can or cannot do. Stay curious and social.”
Let us help you overcome the challenges that keep you from living your best life, and then thrive once you do. Explore events in your area that promote positive aging.
By: Leigh-Anne Lees, VPAS Community Relations Director