Ageism

Before reading about ageism, I understood it mainly as discrimination against someone because of their age. However, after learning more from Cruikshank, Aronson, and Dovey, I realize that ageism goes much deeper than simply treating older adults differently. It affects how society views aging, how older adults are treated in healthcare, and even how they begin to view themselves. One thing that stood out to me is that aging is something we will all experience if we are fortunate enough to live long enough. So why does society continue to treat growing older as something negative? As a future social worker, I believe understanding ageism is important because everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to remain independent regardless of age.

1. Examples of Ageism and Personal Experiences

One example that really stood out to me was Aronson’s discussion about Eva and how taxi drivers would not stop to pick her up. What bothered me about this situation was that something as simple as getting transportation became difficult because of how someone perceived her age. It made me think about how often older adults experience discrimination in everyday situations that younger individuals may take for granted. Just because someone is older does not mean they are incapable, helpless, or unable to participate in society.

This example also made me think about older adults within my own family. My grandmother is someone who values her independence and the home she built with my late grandfather. I know that as people get older, family members sometimes become concerned about their safety and whether they should continue living independently. Although these concerns may come from a place of love, I believe we must be careful not to assume that someone cannot make decisions simply because of their age. I would not want my grandmother to feel as though her opinions no longer matter.

What makes ageism upsetting to me is that older adults have spent their lives working, raising families, and contributing to their communities. They should not reach a certain age and suddenly feel that their voices are no longer important.

2. Language, Stereotypes, and Changing Society’s Views

All three authors demonstrate how language influences the way society views older adults. Cruikshank discusses the concept of “elderspeak,” which involves speaking to older adults in ways that can be childish, overly simplified, or disrespectful. I think this is something people sometimes do without realizing how offensive it can be. We should communicate with older adults as adults rather than assuming they cannot understand us.

Aronson examines how language within the medical profession can contribute to ageism. Her discussion of geriatrics stood out to me because it shows how even healthcare professionals can undervalue the needs of older adults. When aging is constantly associated with decline, illness, and death, it becomes easier for society to overlook the importance of providing quality care. Aronson challenges these attitudes by showing the importance of recognizing older patients as individuals whose lives and healthcare needs deserve attention.

Dovey takes a different approach by examining how aging is represented through literature. Literature can reinforce stereotypes when older characters are portrayed mainly as weak, lonely, or approaching the end of their lives. However, writing can also challenge those ideas by showing that older adults continue to experience love, personal growth, relationships, and meaningful experiences.

What connects these three readings for me is the importance of changing the way we talk about aging. Cruikshank encourages us to recognize harmful stereotypes, Aronson challenges the medical profession to value older patients, and Dovey demonstrates how literature can provide a more realistic understanding of growing older. I believe changing our language is one of the first steps toward changing our attitudes.

3. Understanding Internalized Ageism

Internalized ageism occurs when individuals begin accepting negative stereotypes about aging and applying those beliefs to themselves. For example, an older adult may begin believing they are too old to learn something new, return to school, start a relationship, or participate in activities they previously enjoyed.

I think internalized ageism is especially concerning because it can affect someone’s confidence and willingness to remain active. Instead of society directly telling an older person they cannot do something, that individual may begin telling themselves they cannot do it.

Aronson’s discussion of aging and healthcare demonstrates how negative attitudes about growing older can influence expectations about health and treatment. When older adults begin accepting the idea that illness, pain, or declining abilities are simply unavoidable parts of aging, they may become less likely to question whether their needs are being adequately addressed.

Dovey’s discussion of literature also connects to internalized ageism because the stories society tells about aging can influence how people imagine their own futures. If we constantly see aging portrayed as something depressing or undesirable, we may eventually begin fearing our own aging process.

I believe there is a difference between recognizing that our bodies change as we age and assuming that our lives become less valuable. Growing older may require adjustments, but it should not mean giving up on happiness, independence, or personal goals.

4. The One-Way Mirror and the Generational Divide

The passage by Baba Copper about ageism being like a one-way mirror between younger and older women really made me think. My interpretation is that older individuals can understand younger people because they have already experienced that stage of life. However, younger individuals sometimes struggle to see themselves becoming older. Instead of recognizing aging as a natural part of life, they may focus on avoiding the physical changes associated with it.

Although the passage specifically discusses women, I believe the same concept applies to men. Society places pressure on men to maintain a youthful appearance, remain physically strong, and continue meeting certain expectations as they grow older. Sometimes people become so focused on looking younger that they forget aging is a privilege not everyone gets to experience.

When I think about which side of the mirror I am on, I would say I am still on the younger side, but I am beginning to understand the other side more clearly. As I get older, I realize that my priorities, responsibilities, and outlook on life continue to change. I also recognize that the older adults in my life have experiences and knowledge that I can learn from.

I believe the generational divide affects aging because younger people sometimes overlook the contributions of older adults. We may assume that because someone is older, they do not understand today’s society or have anything meaningful to contribute. However, older adults have lived through experiences that younger generations can benefit from understanding.

To begin changing this story, I believe we must create more opportunities for younger and older generations to communicate and learn from one another. We should also encourage older adults to remain involved in decisions that affect their lives. As social workers, we have a responsibility to advocate for their rights, challenge stereotypes, and promote their independence.

Most importantly, we must remember that older adults are individuals first. Their age should not determine their worth, abilities, or opportunities.

Conclusion

After reflecting on these readings, I have gained a better understanding of how deeply ageism affects society. What stood out to me the most is that ageism is not always obvious. Sometimes it appears through the words we use, the assumptions we make, or the way we treat older adults without even realizing it.

These readings have also made me reflect on how I want to approach working with older adults as a future social worker. I want to make sure I am listening to their concerns, respecting their decisions, and recognizing their strengths rather than focusing only on their limitations.

At the end of the day, aging should not be viewed as losing value. It should be recognized as another stage of life filled with experiences, wisdom, challenges, and opportunities. If we want society to respect us when we become older, we must begin showing that same respect to older adults today.

References

Aronson, L. (2019). Elderhood: Redefining aging, transforming medicine, reimagining life. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Cruikshank, M. (2013). Learning to be old: Gender, culture, and aging (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Dovey, C. (n.d.). What old age is really like. [Complete publication information from assigned reading.]