Title: Stereotypes about ageing | The Good Care Group
Headings: Challenging negative stereotypes about ageing
Challenging negative stereotypes about ageing
Stereotypes about ageing: Perception vs reality
Why it is important to overcome negative stereotypes about ageing

Content: People tend to feel younger as they get older. 61% of 65 - 74-year-olds feel younger than they are, as well as 57% of people aged 75+. Mood, relationships, well-being, knowledge and certain forms of intelligence can also be enhanced by age. This research demonstrates how negative stereotypes about ageing aren't only held by young people, but also people in middle and later life. Why it is important to overcome negative stereotypes about ageing
According to numerous studies, perceiving ageing in terms of just disability or decline leads to poorer physical health outcomes. Becca Levy, associate professor at Yale School of Public Health, quoted in the Wall Street Journal article above, went as far as describing negative stereotypes about ageing as "a public health issue". Regardless of medical history, education level, or socioeconomic status, people with negative perceptions of ageing have been found to have: Higher rates of cardiac disease. A median life expectancy that's 7.5 years shorter. Less chance of recovering from severe disability.