Seasoned Citizen in a Senior World -Part 2

Last week I gave society's definition of a senior citizen. This week some info on how we're affected by that definition.

 Aging in a Youth-Driven Culture 

Cultural stereotypes of aging can have a serious effect on seniors. First, they influence the way seniors are treated by society. Second, cultural stereotypes affect how seniors see themselves. We still haven't found ways to effectively minimize these negative stereotypes so they continue to be a pressing issue.


Negative beliefs against the elderly is common place today. An older person who forgets something could be quick to call it a "senior moment." Other phrases such as "dirty old man" or "second childhood" have ageist undertones.

Unlike common forms of stereotyping such as racism and sexism, ageism is more resistant to change. People grow up believing in ageist ideas, even elders themselves. Unfortunately, ageism can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Onward & Upward,
Jacqueline