Prior research has shown that exposure to some positive portrayals of aging can affect have positive outcomes consequences in for older adults, such as better performance on memory tests and lower cardiovascular stress. Researchers have suggested that exposure to positive portrayals of aging causes individuals to internalize these positive stereotypes. This internalization of positive stereotypes causes them to behave accordingly, leading to better performance on tests of memory and physical tasks. Recently, however, researchers looked into whether overly positive depictions of aging could have the opposite of the intended effects. These researchers wanted to know if the beneficial effects associated with positive portrayals of aging would remain even when the portrayals were so positive that they were viewed as unrealistic. To do this they conducted experiments that would expose participants of all ages to images of older adults that had been classified as extremely positive, positive, neutral, and negative. The following examples of each category for physical activity were given:. Similar sets of pictures were presented depicting socioemotional situations and intellectual situations. In addition to being presented with these images, participants were asked to rate how realistic an image was, how well they felt they performed compared to what the images depicted, and how positively or negatively they perceived their own aging process.


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One area in particular threatens to prevent older adults from making those connections: the digital divide. Mastering digital technology has become a key component of what it means to fully participate in society. If we do not provide technology access and training to older adults, we shut them out from society, worsening an already worrisome trend of isolation and loneliness among the elderly. I visit Tech Allies participants — whose ages range from 62 to 98 — both before and after their eight weeks of one-on-one technology training. We talk about their experiences with and perspectives on technology today. Some [things] just are not possible if you are not in the flow of the internet. In contrast to concerns about technology use increasing isolation among younger populations, the communication and connection possible online can be especially valuable for older adults who are homebound, live far away from family, or have lost the loved ones they relied on for social support in their younger years. Elders can use online tools to connect with friends and family via messaging platforms, video chat, and social media even if they can no longer physically visit them. Older adults can find online support groups for people who share their medical conditions.
Learn more. AARP is intensifying its work aimed at rejecting the stereotypes associated with aging in media. As part of a multi-year initiative, the organization is pressing brands, designers, ad agencies and other industry players to change their immediate and long-term attitudes in order to overcome the misconceptions of aging portrayed in ads. Images in The Disrupt Aging Collection reflect older adults who are working longer, starting families later, raising children and grandchildren, and acting as caregivers for multiple generations.