Stereotypes In The Middle Age: A Time Of Transition

A Time of Transition "Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle (Lockwood-Huie)." This quote made by comedian Bob Hope, shows the levity some feel about the middle adulthood years. However, what exactly defines "middle age?" Middle age is the period of the life span that occurs from forty to about sixty years of age (Santrock, 2012). Individuals in this period of development are usually expanding their personal and social involvement, assisting the next generation in becoming mature and competent persons, as well as maintaining satisfaction in a career (Santrock, 2012). Adults in their middle-aged years are bombarded by age stereotypes, ways to help "reverse" the effects of aging, health issues, as well as increased pressure to prepare for their retirement years. These bombardments are usually from movies, magazines, and the media, as well as product commercials, and businesses that offer various services to the middle-aged adult. Movies and television shows are perhaps the worst offenders when it comes to age stereotyping. Disney 's situation comedies portray middle age adults as ugly. For example, in Disney 's My Babysitter 's a Vampire, a witch who had kept herself …show more content…
There are many changes occurring during these transitional years, and the media, including television shows or commercials, and magazines, are overwhelming sources of bombardment for the middle-aged adult. The media, depending on the type, show either a positive or a negative image of middle adulthood. Disney sitcoms are especially notorious for showing adults as ugly, ignorant, and dysfunctional people. Whereas shows like "Bonanza", show middle adulthood as a time to enjoy rather than to dread. One should also find ways to find some levity about middle adulthood, like comedian Bob Hope did by quipping, "Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle (Lockwood-