Negative Stereotypes In Older Adults

Given that old age is often characterized by negative stereotypes it is common for older adults to have negative perceptions on aging. These pervasive messages suggest that older adults are “frail, ill, old people” which tend to perpetuate these negative attitudes. Henchoz, Cavalli, and Girardin (2008) suggest that comparison mechanisms assist older adults in opposing those views and seeing past those fundamentals of old age. Consequently, basing their views of aging on a more self-perceived attitude. According to Henchoz, et.al. there are “three social process applied by older people in assessing their health” (p. 282). These three process include social comparisons, which constructs its own dichotomous process and temporal comparison. The …show more content…
In fact, sex and sexuality are important components to healthy living. Moreover, they propose that sex and sexuality among older adults, “remains largely misunderstood, [that there are] negative societal attitudes, and significant barriers to sexual expression” (p. 201). In any case, these questions demonstrate the importance of educating younger cohorts concerning age discrimination and the ideology behind successful aging in maintaining quality of life and well-being for older …show more content…
One of the systems, the urinary system, consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The urinary system’s job is to filter the blood and help eliminate wastes and extra fluids from the body as well as assist in controlling the body 's chemical balance. The urinary system becomes less efficient with age and “normal” age-related changes may likely occur in the urinary system. Such changes are relevant in caring and working with older persons living in long-term care. Some changes in the kidneys that occur with age include: the size of the kidney decreases; the amount of filtering components decreases; and the blood vessels become smaller and hardened. In addition, some changes in the bladder that occur with age include: the wall of the bladder changes; the tissue surrounding the bladder becomes tough; therefore, loses its elasticity; the bladder has less capacity to store urine; and the muscles of the bladder start to weaken. Furthermore, the urethra can become blocked. In which case, can be due to weakened muscles resulting in the bladder or vagina to fall out of position for women. Or the urethra can become blocked by an enlarged prostate gland in men. According to Saxon and Perkins (2010), these changes are one reason that urinary incontinence (uncontrollable