Late adulthood is characterized by many problems and concerns. Many beliefs and stereotypes surround the concept of aging. With an improved health system, the proportion of older people aged above 65 years is increasing. This means that their current 15% portion of the general population is expected to rise in a few years. In essence, it presumes a fact that the concerns about them will be increasing too. The individual health changes are the most common observation at old age. Chronic diseases and terminal illnesses significantly complicate the life of the elderly. Other changes in the social life also pose a challenge to the elderly that tries to cope with health problems during the advanced age. A constant concern for the aged regardless of their health or social status is death. For effective coping with the psychological side of the problem, the aged require socio-cultural and psychological support from those around them.
The paper aims at exploring ageism in terms of the stereotypes associated with it, the health and wellness promotion, importance of social life for the elderly and personal attitudes related to old age and death. The paper presents a thorough review of literature on the issue of aging.
Ageism refers to the beliefs, attitudes, ways of behaving, and feelings that people have towards the senior citizens or the aged. People tend to have a variety of feelings and attitudes towards them. A study on ageism by Depp and Jeste presents information about participants of the research, who had to write adjectives that are associated with the aged population. The results varied widely, whereas some participants created 2 groups of adjectives while others used up to 17 groups related to the description of the aged. From these results, it was presumed that the general public has three levels of attitude towards the old such as the general traits, specific traits (negative versus positive), and individual traits.The general traits were those that described old people in general, like gray haired, bald-headed, impaired hearing, and poor eyesight. The specific traits were those, which were either positive or negative about the elderly. The participants of the study identified twelve sub-types of these specific traits, whereas only four were positive, the other eight were negative.
The way how the aged are perceived in different life domains shows how many stereotypes exist regarding them. The stereotypes have been identified to be interconnected with domains such as religion and spirituality, hobbies and activities, health and fitness, employment and retirement, and financial status. In general, the old are perceived to be spiritual and overtly religious, reserved and anhedonic, sick and depressed, weak in their physical and mental status but full of experience and knowledge. They are also perceived to be either poor or rich with no financial responsibility. In general, it depends on their economic status during their early and middle adulthood.
Various physical, social, and psychological changes associated with aging affect the overall health and the quality of life of the old. Some of these changes are inevitable, but the negative impact on the seniors can be effectively reduced. At old age, health promotion is viewed in the concept of disease prevention. Their vulnerability calls for a focused framework to promote their health. Many people have viewed chronic and degenerative diseases as an inevitable part of old age. Moreover, the elderly are also regarded as less likely to comply with lifestyle and nutrition changes that might be a part of the health promotion strategy. However, there are possible measures that can be taken to minimize the incidences of poor health conditions and disabilities. These measures include: promotion of a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and avoiding alcohol and smoking; enhancing health seeking behavior focused on disease screening and health counseling. Moreover, such measures may incorporate identifying the old with other people so as to achieve a social relationship, which gives an opportunity to share feelings, prevent psychological stress, and also focus on diet modifications by avoiding fatty foods and overeating. The old should, however, remain active as much as possible, but the activities should be regulated to reduce the risk of physical overwork and to align them with their specific health needs and limitations. These strategies should be introduced early in senior life probably within the first years of a retiree’s life. Early initiation of the strategies will enhance the success.
Old age is characterized by multiple losses and loneliness. The loss of a friend, a spouse, or a sibling is always accompanied by an emotional trauma that sometimes deepens. Moreover, it affects the psychological health of the old and may be impossible to cope with. It is, therefore, necessary for the senior citizens to be surrounded by people of different age groups. It helps them to become closer with another person in case of a loss. Relationships at old age are characterized by extreme connection, intimacy, and dependency, and importance because the aged are able to share feelings and ideas with one another and avoid psychological stress. Moreover, there is an idea that when a couple lives up to old age together, they are more likely to live longer than if one dies before.
Social interactions are very important to the elderly as they are to other age groups. The most typical explanation is that humans are social beings. The interaction with other human beings always gives the aged a chance to expand their vision and avoid concentrating on small issues arising during their old age. The old who take part in social events are found to be more content with their life and often “feel to be younger” as compared to those who are reserved and retired at home. The interaction is also a chance to explore new ventures, talents, and hobbies.
The definition of “good old age” varies with the culture and more specifically between persons. The general perception of “good aging,” according to the research, is physical health, proper body functioning, financial security, proper family relations, and social success. These elements are viewed differently by people of different age groups and cultures. For a culture that values material possession, a successful old man will be the one who is the wealthiest and with a large family. Such a person will be viewed with dignity in the community and will be highly honored. Personal perception of the aged also affects the way the elderly are viewed. For those who follow the stereotype that the aged are wise, respectable, resourceful, and helpful, old people are dignified and worthy of honor. However, for those whose perception of such people is negative, their views are unfavorable too.
The joy of living is achieved through enhanced quality of life. The aged population experience many changes in their physical, psychological, and social life. When these changes are approaching, the aged require support and assistance. However, when the public depends on the ageism stereotypes, the support received from these people is reduced. Without support, their struggle for a healthy and quality life will fail. The aged population requires socialization, but not isolation. For this to be achieved, the existing stereotypes and negative beliefs must be suppressed. This will assure help and support for them throughout their senior years being in a better position to deal with the multiple changes in the end of life.
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