Perspectives Of Aging

Stereotypes about the elderly and older adults persist on television, in movies, and in advertisements. We read about older adults in books and in print media, hear about them in jokes, and see how they are depicted in greeting cards.

Research three mediums that depict older adults. You may consider television, movies, the greeting card industry, or newspapers as a few examples. Look for stereotypes, including examples of ageism.

Full Answer Section Simpsons cast
  • Modern Family: This recent sitcom features a number of characters of different ages, including Jay Pritchett, Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, and Phil Dunphy. While the show does a good job of portraying older adults in a positive light, it also has some moments that perpetuate stereotypes. For example, Jay is sometimes shown as being out of touch with his children and grandchildren, and Gloria is sometimes shown as being over-emotional and dramatic.

Movies

  • The Notebook: This romantic drama tells the story of two lovers who are separated by World War II. The movie is set in the 1940s and 1950s, and it portrays older adults in a mostly positive light. However, it also has some moments that perpetuate stereotypes. For example, the older characters are often shown as being wise and experienced, but they are also sometimes shown as being frail and dependent.
  • Coco: This animated musical tells the story of a young boy named Miguel who travels to the Land of the Dead to meet his deceased great-great-grandfather. The movie is set in Mexico, and it features a number of elderly characters. These characters are often portrayed as being wise and spiritual, but they are also sometimes shown as being superstitious and old-fashioned.
  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: This fantasy drama tells the story of a man who ages in reverse. The movie is set in the early 20th century, and it features a number of elderly characters. These characters are often portrayed as being wise and experienced, but they are also sometimes shown as being frail and dependent.

Greeting cards

  • Grandma is always right: This greeting card features a picture of an elderly woman with the caption "Grandma is always right." This card perpetuates the stereotype that older adults are wise and know-it-alls.
  • Retirement is the best time of your life: This greeting card features a picture of an elderly couple with the caption "Retirement is the best time of your life." This card perpetuates the stereotype that older adults are lazy and unproductive.
  • Old people are forgetful: This greeting card features a picture of an elderly man with the caption "Old people are forgetful." This card perpetuates the stereotype that older adults are forgetful and incompetent.

These are just a few examples of the stereotypes and ageism that are often portrayed in the media. It is important to be aware of these stereotypes so that we can challenge them and create a more positive image of aging.

Sample Answer

here are three mediums that depict older adults and the stereotypes and ageism that they often portray:

Television

  • The Golden Girls: This popular sitcom from the 1980s and 1990s follows the lives of four older women who live together in Miami. While the show was praised for its positive portrayal of older women, it also perpetuated some stereotypes. For example, the characters were often shown as being gossipy, catty, and out of touch with the modern world.
    Golden Girls cast
  • The Simpsons: This long-running animated sitcom has featured a number of elderly characters over the years, including Grandpa Simpson, Mr. Burns, and Moe Szyslak. These characters are often portrayed as being grumpy, forgetful, and incompetent. For example, Grandpa Simpson is often shown getting into trouble because he forgets things or doesn't understand modern technology.