Day 227 of 365 - Old People

What thoughts come to mind when you see or hear the words, old people?  Do you think 'over the hill, declining, decrepit, confused'?  If so, you would not be far off the cultural consensus, based on social science research about collective biases regarding seniors and the elderly.  Biases clearly exist, especially about what seniors should and should not be able to do.  Our culture portrays that we should all be very afraid of getting old.

Alongside that information, consider this recently reported statistic from the International Council on Active Aging.  The world population now has more people over the age of 65 than under the age of five years.  One might assume that the increase of seniors in the general population would lead to a rise in grey power and influence.  It seems we should not automatically expect this.

Physical health and mortality of baby boomers is improving over the previous generation.  Men can now expect to live outside an institution until 82 and women until 85.  However, the mental health situation indicates higher rates of stress, depression and dementia in baby boomers versus the previous generation.

Aside from concern about the general population having negative opinions about old people, what is equally or more worrisome is, that researchers are finding that seniors who believe the pessimistic stereotypes actually have poorer health outcomes.  It is thought that our attitudes, whether conscious, or not, drive our routines and lifestyle.  If we believe aging is all about decline, we might not make as much effort to live a healthy lifestyle.  Even attitudes about dementia affected outcomes.

However, the converse has also been found true, in that seniors remembering the vigor of their youth planned better for their futures and performed better.  Thoughts are malleable and the push back against ageism should begin at an early age, according to one researcher.

Perhaps the increase in symptoms of poorer mental health in seniors now is partially related to cultural beliefs about ageism, expressed by the general populations, but also either consciously, or unconsciously believed by the baby boomers themselves.

As someone who will be joining the senior club before long, these reports are of great concern to me.  I will need to take an active role in questioning negative beliefs about aging, starting perhaps most importantly, with myself.

The CEO of the International Council on Active Aging said that 'today, the vitality of individuals, economies and entire societies depend on active aging'.  Many communities have organizations which host activities and events related to healthy and active aging.  The Canadian Centre for Active Aging is right here in my city.

You can bet I will be frequently following their online posts for ongoing inspiration and tips to try and build positive stereotypes, ones like astute, wise, accomplished and worthy of respect around those getting older in our society, including me.

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