Ageism in The Article by Todd D. Nelson

Introduction to Ageism

This article by Todd D. Nelson focuses on ageism, which is a form of discrimination based on an individual's age. The author states that much "research on ageism has focused on prejudice against older persons" (Nelson, 2005, p. 276). As modern medical technology advances, the average lifespan of people also increases. In such a situation, the author discusses that the article aims to provide recommendations and solutions, which will ultimately eliminate the negative impact of age stereotypes.

Cognitive Aspects of Ageism

In the beginning, the author specifies what contributes to ageism in cognition. By presenting the results of an intriguing test, he notes that "the influence of negative age stereotypes can be very strong, even when the older individual is not consciously thinking about the negative stereotypes" (Nelson, 2005, p. 276). He further references Levy and Langer’s study to argue that memory loss in old age is dependent on many factors, especially cultural differences in how society treats its elders.

The study indicates that there is an obvious contrast between Eastern and Western cultures. Chinese culture tends to view aging positively, while American culture often perceives it pessimistically. This suggests that the way societies view aging can significantly impact the cognitive health of their elderly populations.

Physical Health and Ageism

The author moves on to discuss the issue of physical health by introducing a common assumption people hold. Although it is somewhat true that physical decline and aging have a direct correlation, he points out that it is a matter of perception whether they hasten physical decline or not. In fact, he states that elders who harbor negative views tend to demonstrate worse physical disabilities compared to those who perceive aging positively.

According to two longitudinal studies on age-related beliefs and health outcomes, stress and adrenaline, which stem from unconscious or conscious exposure to negative stereotypes, weaken the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to illness. As the author approaches this problem from the perspective of longevity, he continues to discuss how negative stereotypes even affect the elderly's will to live, causing them to lower expectations regarding not only their physical quality but also their mental and cognitive quality of life (Nelson, 2005).

Recognizing and Addressing Ageism

The author criticizes that the problem of ageism often goes unrecognized, and such beliefs still prevail significantly in society today. Many people are unaware that ageism also occurs on a smaller scale, and oftentimes that is when it hurts the most. This lack of awareness prevents effective solutions from being implemented.

Then, the author concludes his article by suggesting solutions. He emphasizes that positive views or the rejection of negative stereotypes "can counteract those negative consequences" (Nelson, 2005, p. 279). Considering the many factors that affect elders, he advises that those who do not perceive the issue of ageism seriously must not forget that each day they, too, are growing a little older. It is crucial for society to foster a more inclusive and positive perspective on aging to improve the quality of life for all individuals.

References:

Nelson, T. D. (2005). Ageism: Prejudice against our feared future self. Journal of Social Issues, 61(2), 207-221.