Chapter 2: Stereotypes and Images

According to Hillier and Barrow (2011), “Stereotypes are generalized beliefs or opinions based on individual experience, often produced by irrational thinking” (p. 32). Labels are very common with stereotypes because it is very easy to evaluate a situation and then stick a label on someone. This chapter addresses the stereotyping that the elder generation deals with on a day to day basis. These stereotypes can be positive and negative; however they are always based on an unfair judgment. In 1990, Palmore summarized negative aging stereotypes that included illness, impotency, ugliness, mental decline, mental illness, uselessness, isolation, poverty, and depression (grouch, touch, cranky) (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). These negative stereotypes were different from the ones found in the 1950’s. Some negative stereotypes from the 1950’s “unproductive, a burden to their children, suborn, grouchy” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011) and even more. From 1950 to 1990 the negative stereotypes were not as negative as people aged. Negative stereotyping still remains a major issue. One belief was “that problems associated with aging are biological rather than social and behavioral” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). This theory explains that the individual experiences a decline in their health resulting in aging and physical descent as well. Life expectancy has risen over the years due to many things. In the late 1800’s the life expectancy was 48 to 51 and now the legal definition of old is when someone has reached retirement. Children and young adults develop stereotypes about elders and aging which can lead to negativity in the future. The media is one of the main sources in which they get information as well as their peers.