Ageing Education and Its Role in Changing Formed Stereotypes.pptVIP

Ageing Education and Its Role in Changing Formed Stereotypes Background Ageing Education is a response to : Dramatic demographic changes Increasing gap between the old and young Less opportunities for children to interact with older people. Negative portrayal of the elderly in the media. The existence of ageist stereotypes Why Ageing Education Ageist attitudes formed in childhood are difficult to change at adolescence. The population is unprepared for their long life ahead. Ageing is related with medical research and deterioration in health. Younger individuals have greater fear of their own aging process. The possibility for intergenerational conflict What it Ageing Education “programs designed to engage non-biologically linked older and younger persons in interactions that encourage cross-generational bonding, promote cultural exchange, and provide positive support systems that help maintain the well-being and security of the younger and older generations” Newman, 1997. The benefits of ageing education Balanced attitudes about ageing and healthy lifestyle decisions. Overcome ageism, societal myths and misinformation about aging (Palmore,2004). Increase familiarity and understanding of the aging process as a natural development. Sharing of multicultural diversity of values and life-styles. “If we teach children that growing old is a natural part of life, and raise them to appreciate and value the contributions of older people in the world, ageist stereotypes and fears of growing old will become obsolete” Butler, 1999, p. v. Conceptual Framework Source: McGuire, S.L (1988) Concept 1: Aging is a natural and lifelong process of growing and developing. Concept 2: Older and younger people are similar in many ways. Concept 3: Older people are valuable and contributing members of society. Concept 4: Old and young can enjoy and learn from each other. Concept 5: People need to plan for becoming older. Concept 6: People have much control over the older person they b