"Ageism is a form of discrimination and prejudice, particularly experienced by seniors. Most seniors are mentally and physically active regardless of age with a great deal to contribute. However, societal norms marginalize seniors, treat them with disrespect, make them feel unwelcome and otherwise generalize as if they were all the same.
For example:
- Late night comedians and talk show hosts joke about seniors and memory loss;
- Doctors often talk past the senior patient to an adult child as if the senior wasn’t even in the room;
- Younger adults mock seniors for being “slow”;
- Commercial advertisements depict seniors as out of date, and lacking knowledge about modern culture and new technologies;
- Certain laws and regulations are paternalistic towards seniors and limit their choices.
Ageism robs seniors of choice, independence, dignity and negatively impacts their quality of life. ALFA seeks to illuminate discriminatory practices that adversely affect seniors’ lives, illuminate prejudicial attitudes toward the aging process, and institutional practices that perpetuate stereotypes about seniors. ALFA aligns and supports programs that break traditional notions of aging."
Here is a video from ALFA that provides a brief visual of ageism today:
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO1jlbTFhdk
Here are some visual examples of Ageism in the Media:
http://seniorplanet.org/worth-a-read-a-guide-to-ageism-for-media-types-and-everyone-else/
http://filipspagnoli.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/human-rights-nonsense-1-ageism/
http://www.advertolog.com/ontario-human-rights-commission/print-outdoor/65-4862955/
http://blog.ecaring.com/ageism-in-america-questions-answers/
http://sharronhinchliff.com/2013/05/31/ageism-and-sexism-in-the-media-still-looking-for-the-older-female-tv-presenters/
No comments:
Post a Comment