Media has the power to influence the way society thinks and functions. Although this may be a positive asset in some situations, it can also have negative implications on societal views. This forms stereotypes, stigmatization and discrimination which alter the beliefs, norms and values of society. Stereotypes of older adults is very prevalent in society, to the extent that it is invisible. Older adults are negatively represented by the media and we internalize such stereotypes from a very young age and as a result there is the formation of ageism. Ageism is societal myths, stereotypes and misunderstanding about people related to their age (WWK, 27). Older adults are undervalued and often seen as a burden on society due to stereotypes.
Elderly adults are often underrepresented in the media, but when they do appear, they are often misrepresented. Media portrays aging as a negative aspect of life. Following are examples of stereotypes. Firstly, older adults will eventually become senile. Memory lapses are common at any age. Although, there is an increased risk of developing dementia as an individual ages. Signs of dementia such as difficulty performing cognitive tasks or inappropriate responses to questions are normal signs of aging. In fact, research suggests that in the absence of disease, as an …show more content…
As a result, the society is not able to accept old as beautiful. Often older women do not appear as models in advertisements because the media emphasizes youthfulness and beauty. Models are presented to be young, thin and have perfect hair and skin which is the complete opposite to what an older women possesses due to age. Physical characteristics that I associate with older adults include wrinkled skin, gray/white hair, and immobility which are not often portrayed in the media. These characteristics represent the normal aging
Elderly adults are often underrepresented in the media, but when they do appear, they are often misrepresented. Media portrays aging as a negative aspect of life. Following are examples of stereotypes. Firstly, older adults will eventually become senile. Memory lapses are common at any age. Although, there is an increased risk of developing dementia as an individual ages. Signs of dementia such as difficulty performing cognitive tasks or inappropriate responses to questions are normal signs of aging. In fact, research suggests that in the absence of disease, as an …show more content…
As a result, the society is not able to accept old as beautiful. Often older women do not appear as models in advertisements because the media emphasizes youthfulness and beauty. Models are presented to be young, thin and have perfect hair and skin which is the complete opposite to what an older women possesses due to age. Physical characteristics that I associate with older adults include wrinkled skin, gray/white hair, and immobility which are not often portrayed in the media. These characteristics represent the normal aging