Haims: Why pervasive ageism in American society isn’t healthy

Ageism and Aging: A Cultural Perspective

Ageism, according to Merriam-Webster, is defined as “prejudice or discrimination against a particular age group — especially the elderly.”

The Western and Eastern Views on Aging

It should not be a point of contention or debate that aging is viewed differently in Western and Eastern societies. While a generality, American culture does not view aging favorably. Often Western culture views aging with fear and ambivalence. Death is the enemy; it’s feared and viewed as an end — marginalized. Youth, beauty and the avoidance of frailty are far more favored.

Conversely, in many Eastern societies, aging is generally viewed with a bit more compassion, reverence and respect with historical and cultural foundations. Such views may be derived from a Confucian philosophy and moral obligations like filial piety. Filial piety is best explained as the idea that parents, grandparents and older people should be treated with honor and respect. It is the homage that children owe to their older parents and ancestry.

Erik Erikson’s Theory of Aging

It’s ironic that after almost 40 years of having been introduced to the studies of psychoanalyst Erik Erikson back in college, I now find myself truly understanding his theory of the eight psychosocial stages of aging. In short, he believed that each of the stages built a foundation for the following and that each stage could either positively or negatively affect personality development.

Perhaps it is during the stages that encompass the ages of 3 to 18 (Play Age, School Age, Adolescence) that Western society’s cultural norms of not respecting and even fearing aging are instilled. The stigma regarding aging and the lack of understanding of the cycle of life is, in my opinion, a harm to society we all must take part in undoing.

The Negative Effects of Aging in Western Society

While certainly not the norm in comparison to the rest of the country, growing up in Los Angeles was unique in many ways. I was surrounded by a culture of “new” — new modern homes, new architecture, and all things that were the latest and greatest. California was, and is, the Sunshine State where the young frolic at the beach, clubs, music scene, and Hollywood glamorizes the young and beautiful. Unfortunately, looking young remains a sign of beauty and of vitality while aging is too often considered frailty and thus unwelcome.

Aging has a multitude of negative effects on people’s physical and mental well-being. It is a pernicious issue that causes irreparable harm to our physical and mental health and impedes us from living a full life. Our Western view of aging takes form in so many ways of youth preservation — particularly our adoration of cosmetic surgery.

Does it come as a shock that the United States leads the world in the sheer number of plastic surgical procedures performed in the world? Depending on where the data comes from, most sources agree that the U.S. far surpasses other countries in the number of persons receiving cosmetic surgeries. According to data from Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors in the U.K., numbers in the U.S. are almost double that of second place, Brazil. Data provided from STATISTA indicates that the number could be triple that of Brazil. Looking young is a business that has permeated the very fabric of our society.

Billionaires like Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), Peter Thiel (PayPal), and Bryan Johnson (Braintree) have invested big money in companies like the Methuselah Foundation and Calico to fend off aging and turn back our biological clock. While the research is showing the opportunity to flush worn cells (senescent) from the body that cause DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, and ultimately, inflammation, the ultimate goal may be more morally dubious than advancing societal health and well-being.

The Eastern Perspective on Aging

In many cases, Eastern cultures view aging and death as a part of continuing life itself. The focus on family and respect for elders has been long-established and developed through their values and culture, influencing their perception of life as a whole. In general, many Eastern societies view elders with reverence as they have gained great knowledge due to their time on Earth and life experiences.

Embracing Aging and Finding Purpose

It is my opinion that here in the U.S., we tend to focus more on what we are trying to accomplish here and now than having the forethought to see what lies ahead. We are all going to get old — accepting it may mitigate much fear and anxiety. Aging includes many transitions that help us understand our place in time and our place and purpose with those we care about.

As we age, there will be times of both sorrow and joy as well as health and illness. It is important to learn productive ways to cope with such challenges. Time often helps us gain perspective and experience. We should focus on the many things we are thankful for and learn to be accepting of the things we cannot change. A focus on friends, family and the well-being of our community is integral.

Until a future time, life will have a finite timeframe. It does not last forever, so accept reality and live with purpose every day. Things don’t always happen to us, sometimes they happen for us. Life is built on experiences. Live life and share your experiences with those you love.

About the Author

Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article addresses issues related to ageism and the negative perceptions of aging in Western societies. These issues are connected to the SDGs mentioned above, as they involve promoting good health and well-being for all ages, reducing inequalities in society, creating inclusive and sustainable communities, and ensuring justice and strong institutions for all individuals regardless of their age.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age.
• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for older persons and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above are relevant to addressing the issues of ageism and negative perceptions of aging. These targets aim to ensure access to healthcare services, promote social inclusion, provide accessible spaces for older persons, and develop accountable institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.8: Percentage of the population with access to essential healthcare services.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of older persons who feel respected and valued by society.
• Indicator for SDG 11.7: Number of public spaces that are accessible and inclusive for older persons.
• Indicator for SDG 16.6: Existence of mechanisms to hold institutions accountable for age discrimination.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but these indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. They involve measuring the percentage of the population with access to healthcare services, the perception of older persons in society, the availability of accessible public spaces, and the existence of mechanisms to address age discrimination.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: vaildaily.com

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