On the origins of ageism among older and younger adults

Abstract

A dissociation of the linkage between death and old age in younger adults can be achieved by changing the concepts of death and old age. For older adults, it is recommended to improve self-worth by encouraging social contacts in which older adults contribute to younger adults, weaken the effects of age stereotypes in TV programs, and prepare middle-aged adults for living healthy lives as older adults. However, these conclusions should be regarded with caution, because several key areas (age related cues, activated cognitive processes, impact of death awareness on ageism) need to be investigated in order to validate this understanding of the origins of ageism among younger and older adults.

A Terror Management Perspective on Young Adults’ Ageism and Attitudes Toward Dementia

“…Little research has investigated how TMT applies to ageism among older adults, but some studies have suggested that older adults have less death anxiety than younger adults (Bodner, 2009). Positive attitudes toward older adults and dementia may be associated with participant characteristics like self-efficacy, contact with older adults, familiarity with dementia, and education (Cottle & Glover, 2007;Jackson, Cherry, Smitherman, & Hawley, 2008;Kahana et al, 1996;Lundquist & Ready, 2008;Zimmerman et al, 2005).…”

“…SIT holds that people favor their own social group, or ingroup, over other groups, or outgroups (Tajfel, 1981). People of all ages may consider the elderly to be an outgroup, so SIT can account for biases against older individuals (Bodner, 2009). More specifically, however, TMT provides an explanation for both ageism and in-group favoritism in general, particularly among younger adults (Bodner, 2009;Castano, 2004).…”

Origins of Ageism at the Individual Level

“…Finally, we present a comprehensive model, based on the three theories, to better conceptualize the roots and maintenance of ageism across the life span. The model we present expands on Bodner's (2009) etiological model for ageism among younger and older adults.…”

Attitudes, knowledge, and interest: preparing university students to work in an aging world

“…In a recent review about the origins of ageism, Bodner (2009) framed younger adults' attitudes towards older adults within the broader context of Terror Management Theory. In this way, because older adults constantly reminded younger adults about the inevitability of deterioration and eventual death, they needed to be seen as distant and even inferior (Bodner, 2009).…”