Writing Assignment

The negative impact of ageism has been well-documented. Stress, depression and a higher risk of heart disease result when seniors internalize negative messages from the media and from people around them. Older people who feel they are a burden to others see their lives as less valuable, increasing their risk of isolation and depression.

Ageism can cause a damaging cycle, marginalization leads to low self-esteem, which in turn accelerates withdrawal and physical decline. A study from Yale showed that negative beliefs about aging may be linked to brain changes related to Alzheimer’s disease, specifically, people who had more negative thoughts about aging had a significantly greater number of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, two conditions associated with Alzheimer’s. Another Yale study showed that positive attitudes about aging could extend one’s life by seven years which is way greater lifespan gain than from low cholesterol, low blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, or even being a nonsmoker.

If the health and emotional well-being of the seniors in our life isn’t motivation enough to check our attitudes, consider this, research by Yale School of Public Health shows “that younger people also are damaged by these negative beliefs.” (Hurting Us All) The study found a striking link between ageism in early life and poor health later on. When younger people talk about seniors as “a burden,” make ugly jokes about the physical changes of aging or hold unflattering stereotypes of the worth of older people, they reduce their own chances of healthy aging. Some experts believe this is because those who do not look forward to their later years are less likely to be mindful of their health. It’s never too late, or too early, to update our attitude and educate ourselves about age.

One example of ageism that we all see every day is the effects of “anti-aging.” To me this is very funny, because it is specifically targeting a certain population, to another population. The effects of aging are inevitable, but why do we as a society feel the need to stop that cycle from happening or occurring? Because turning “old” is bad. You have no money, you cannot be as independent as you used to be, and you’re just a burden to everyone around you. But yet when a lady sees those certain words, what goes through their mind? Is it, do they know they will turn older, or just want to stop the progression of those fine lines and wrinkles? The beauty market is domination on the fact that aging can be stopped. They make millions and millions off of this marketing campaign.

Another example of ageism in America is the healthcare industry. Research shows the divide between expert knowledge and public understanding on aging. Among the general public, loss of control and deterioration are assumed to be natural parts of the aging process. In contrast, experts emphasize that features of our communities and homes are the key to maintaining health and independence as we age. Discussing the healthcare system without including social determinants of health (e.g. food access, walkability, crime, etc.) omits valuable pieces of the puzzle that explain how we experience aging.