Cognitive changes make it challenging for older people to challenge internalized ageist beliefs.
According to research from the University of Queensland, normal cognitive changes related to aging may increase the possibility of older individuals adopting an unfavorable, ageist perspective of themselves.
The research, led by Professor Julie Henry, from the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, examined the prevalence of self-directed ageism and the factors behind it.
” Older people are frequently exposed to ageism such as negative presumptions about their worth, capability or level of understanding, in addition to jokes about older age,” Professor Henry stated.
” At the exact same time, as we grow older, we rely more strongly on prior knowledge and hints from our environment to direct how we feel, think, and behave. In a world that decreases the value of aging, these cognitive modifications make it more difficult for older individuals to challenge internalized ageist beliefs, known as self-directed ageism.”
Self-directed ageism can present as insecurity– “Im too old to discover this brand-new innovation” or “Im too old to make brand-new buddies”– and unfavorable perceptions of ones own aging, such as “Im a lot worse at this than I utilized to be.”
Self-directed ageism can likewise present as concern over being judged according to age-based stereotypes, such as “If I forget to do this, theyre going to believe its due to the fact that Im old.”
Professor Henry said when ageism is internalized and ends up being self-directed, it has actually been connected to a shorter life-span, poorer physical and psychological health, slower healing from impairment, and cognitive decrease.
” It can also be damaging when older adults allow their negative beliefs about aging to weaken their confidence to take on difficult or brand-new opportunities and experiences,” Professor Henry said.
” Interventions, such as creating more chances for positive social interactions between more youthful and older individuals, are required to prevent unfavorable views of aging from establishing in the very first place. Our research study also suggests that older adults will benefit straight from a reduction in hints to ageism in our wider social environment. If less ageist cues attract older individualss attention, the danger of self-directed ageism ought to be decreased.”
Recommendation: “The cognitive tenacity of self-directed ageism” by Julie D. Henry, Sarah P. Coundouris, Fergus I.M. Craik, Courtney von Hippel and Sarah A. Grainger, 3 May 2023, Trends in Cognitive Science.DOI: 10.1016/ j.tics.2023.03.010.