Myths of Aging or Ageist Stereotypes

This paper is about ageist stereotypes dressed-up in the garb of myth that biases perceptions and experiences of being old. The paper argues current ''mythmaking'' about aging perpetuates that which it intends to dispel: ageism. It considers how traditional myths and folklore explained personal experience, shaped social life, and offered meaning for the unexplainable. The current myths of aging perform these same functions in our culture; however, they are based on half-truths, false knowledge, and stated as ageist stereotypes about that which is known. Current myths of aging found in the media and literature of aging are not myths as such, but ''straw man'' statements that attempt to inform; however, they reinforce misconceptions and wrong information about aging as experienced by the vast majority of older people. Recent studies in the cognitive sciences are reviewed to provide insight about the mind's inherent ability to construct categories, concepts, and stereotypes as it responds to experience. These normal processes need to be better understood, particularly regarding how social stereotypes are constructed. Finally, the paper argues that ageist stereotypes when labeled as ''myth'' even in the pursuit of the realities of aging, neither educate the public about the opportunities and challenges of aging nor inform social and health practitioners about the aged. Three research and educational strategies are outlined for critical studies in aging and educational gerontology.