What are your first associations when you hear the words ‘ageing’ or ‘old age’?
Is it ‘wisdom and experience’? Is it something like ‘the crown of life and peaceful harbour’? Or, probably, ‘physical decline and decay’?
If your reaction resonates with the first example, then you are among approximately 45% of people whose perception of old age carries an existential and philosophical connotation; for approximately 40% of people, on the contrary, pejorative reactions will come to mind; Only 10% will express a romantic or idealistic attitude. Undoubtedly, the viewpoints are induced by our social background, culture, education, and personality, among other factors.
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A must-read book for those who are interested in the topic of ageing is ‘The Coming of Age’ by Simone de Beauvoir. In the book, the author discusses old age in historical and contemporary societies, and examines the way families treat their older members. In her magnum opus, she depicts the life and ageing of world-famous personalities: the romance of Victor Hugo, the values of Mahatma Gandhi, who was politically active till his late 70s, the despair of Ernest Hemingway (who, according to the writer, died by suicide because he couldn’t cope with ageing), and Jonathan Swift (who became mentally and physically broken with age). Fifty-three years have passed since Simone wrote her comprehensive work on ageing. But how much has changed since then?
The Gerontological Literacy Network (GLN) is a multi-university collaboration established to address ‘gerontophobia (an irrational fear of old age)’. As part of it, researchers gathered data among more than 1,500 college students to assess their gerontological literacy. The protocol included drawing what ageing means, writing a paragraph describing the drawing, and listing words associated with “old person” and “grandma/grandpa”. The results confirmed that college students have negative views of ageing. There is an opinion that modern society to a large extent valourises youth and simultaneously devalues old age and the old. Old age is regarded as a problem and a burden for the individual and the society.
Another factor that affects the situation of elderly people in society is socioeconomic status. Half a century ago, Simone de Beauvoir mentioned how income and education influence the position and the role of an older generation in society. It’s evident that an old person has a greater chance of survival in wealthy societies than in poor ones. Society cares about the individual only so far as he is profitable.
A big part of Simone’s book is devoted to age discrimination in employment. In the 1970s, she wrote that 97% of the advertisements in American papers set the age of 40 as the limit. This discrimination is almost universally observed. Elderly women suffer even more from this discrimination than men.
We are still facing similar issues. According to the findings of research conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), by 2050, the US could miss out on nearly $4 trillion of economic contributions from the 50-plus population due to age discrimination.
Based on the information obtained from experts at seniorliving.org, the most common forms of age discrimination among workers over age 40 are the following: being passed up for raises, promotions, or other opportunities, ageist jokes and bullying. Substance abuse, loneliness and suicide are some more issues that elderly people are facing.
What are the solutions? Changing attitudes towards the elderly and improving their quality of life involves a multifaceted approach. Coordinated efforts between educational institutions, community organisations, healthcare providers, and governmental agencies are vital to create an environment where older adults are respected, included, and valued members of society.
Education is essential in reshaping perceptions of ageing and the elderly. Incorporating gerontology and positive ageing concepts into the curriculum, from primary schools to higher education, can foster empathy and understanding among younger generations. Moreover, public awareness campaigns that highlight the contributions of the elderly and dispel stereotypes can help alter negative perceptions associated with ageing.
Promoting social inclusion through community engagement can significantly improve the lives of elderly individuals. Various programmes, such as intergenerational activities where younger and older individuals collaborate or share experiences, can help bridge the age gap. Encouraging communities to involve elderly members in local events fosters a sense of belonging, lessening the stigma associated with ageing.
Communication Is Key
The University of the Third Age (U3A), an international movement whose aims are the education of retired members of the community, has recently gained popularity. Elderly people learn foreign languages, do yoga, dance or learn to work on a computer. But, most importantly, they communicate with each other.
Improving access to comprehensive healthcare and support services for the elderly is crucial. Developing elderly-friendly health policies that prioritise their needs in healthcare systems can lead to better service delivery and reduce discrimination based on age.
Encouraging volunteering among the elderly can greatly enhance their societal contributions, and improve their self-esteem and social connection, which is vital for mental health.
The establishment of policies focused on the elderly population is essential for facilitating long-term changes. Implementing these strategies can contribute significantly to changing societal attitudes towards the elderly people and enhancing their overall quality of life.
Once such steps kick in, the percentage of people suggesting romantic associations for the word “ageing” will hopefully increase, and the list (magical powers, harmonious, cherish, fully ripe, voyage, admiration, peaceful harbour, twilight, melancholy, grace, the crown of life, calm, sympathetic, musing, rest, care, stroll) will expand.
The writer is an Associate Professor at Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences.
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