Stereotypes
and some of the Myths of Aging  

Stereotypes are oversimplified, exaggerated beliefs about a group or category of people. Stereotypes may be positive or negative, but they are always distortions of fact. For example, we generalize when we say that the English are snobbish and reserved, the Irish are witty and pugnacious, intelligent children have high fore?heads, and redheads are quick-tempered. These generalizations are erroneous because they do not take into account the many variations within a group and because they indiscriminately attribute the same characteristics to all the members. Many stereotypes or "myth-conceptions" surround older people and the aging process.

The following list includes some of the more common myths:

1. We will never be old ourselves

2. All older people are alike

3. Most older people live in institutions

4. Retirement is less difficult for women than it is for men

5. Alzheimer's disease is to be expected with old age

6. Older workers are less productive than younger workers

7. Sickness and disability come with old age

8. Older people cannot learn

9. Older people are more fearful of death than are younger people

10. Old people are sweet and kind and at peace with the world

11. Old people are weak and helpless

12. Old people have no interest in or capacity for sexual activity.

13. Old people are boring and forgetful

14. Old people are unproductive

15. Old people are grouchy and cantankerous

16. Old women are a burden on everyone

17. Old age begins at 60

18. Old people don?t have feelings

19. Old people are past being consulted about anything - even their own lives. 

20. The majority of older people are set in their ways, unable to change

21. Older workers have high accident and absentee rates

22. The majority of older people view themselves as being in poor health

23. The majority of older people are lonely and are isolated from their families