Stereotypes Of Ageism In America

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A. Ageism- prejudice towards people based on their age (Moody, 13). With the life expectancy nearly doubling over the past 100 years, more and more Americans are surpassing the 65-year age landmark. In a survey of people age 60 and above, 80% reported experience with ageism (Dittmann, 2003). Ageism has harm on the mentality of the aging American. Those exposed to positive stereotypes of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with negative perception to aging. They also tend to have better memory and less feelings of worthlessness (Dittmann, 2003). The perception of aging among Americans have keynote stereotypes: “sick and frail… and unhappy” (Moody, 303). These stereotypes are not viewed in Asian cultures. Sue is not discouraged by her age