Promoting healthy aging by confronting ageism

Negative stereotypes about older people are discussed with specific regard to their negative influence on the mental and physical health of older people. Much research has demonstrated a clear, direct threat to the cognition of older persons when older individuals believe in the truth of these negat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American psychologist Vol. 71; no. 4; p. 276
Main Author Nelson, Todd D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2016
Subjects
Ageism
Aging - psychology
Cognition
Cognitive Aging
Health Status
Humans
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Summary:Negative stereotypes about older people are discussed with specific regard to their negative influence on the mental and physical health of older people. Much research has demonstrated a clear, direct threat to the cognition of older persons when older individuals believe in the truth of these negative stereotypes. For example, the will to live is decreased, memory is impaired, and the individual is less interested in engaging in healthy preventive behaviors. Negative age stereotypes also have significant negative effects on the physical well-being of older persons. Recovery from illness is impaired, cardiovascular reactivity to stress is increased, and longevity is decreased. Impediments to addressing this issue are presented, along with several specific and evidence-based recommendations for solutions to this problem. The healthy aging of older adults can be greatly enhanced with the concerted efforts of politicians, educators, physicians, mental health professionals, and other health care workers working to implement these recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record
ISSN:1935-990X
DOI:10.1037/a0040221