Negative thoughts about aging can be harmful. Here’s how to reduce them.
Negative thoughts about aging can be harmful. Here's how to ... The Washington Post
sdgtalks
Internalized Ageism and Its Impact on Well-being
Introduction
Louise Pendry, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter, experienced a moment of self-realization when she struggled to climb over her desk in a cramped classroom. This incident led her to reflect on age bias, including the biases individuals hold against themselves. Ageism, particularly internalized ageism, can have significant impacts on emotional and physical health. This article explores the concept of internalized ageism and its effects on individuals’ well-being.
What is Internalized Ageism?
Internalized ageism refers to the negative beliefs and biases that individuals hold against themselves due to their age. It manifests in various ways, such as extreme measures to look younger or self-deprecating comments about memory lapses. Research shows that over 80% of people between the ages of 50 and 80 subscribe to ageist stereotypes, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
The Impact of Internalized Ageism
Internalized ageism can have detrimental effects on individuals’ well-being. Negative age beliefs can lead to a lack of motivation in taking care of one’s health, lower self-confidence, and increased stress levels. However, studies have shown that when older people are exposed to positive messages about aging, they experience immediate benefits such as improved memory, reduced stress response, and better physical performance.
Reducing Internalized Ageism
Recognizing and challenging ageist beliefs is crucial in reducing internalized ageism. By shifting blame from age to ageism, individuals can challenge the negative stereotypes associated with aging. Engaging in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, such as exercise, volunteering, and maintaining social connections, can also mitigate the negative impacts of internalized ageism. Additionally, campaigns and projects that celebrate and embrace aging, such as “Say Your Age!” and “#ILookMyAge,” can help combat ageist attitudes.
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 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses ageism and its impact on the emotional and physical health of older people. It also highlights the role of gender in perpetuating ageist stereotypes. Additionally, it mentions the negative effects of ageism on individuals’ well-being and how it can reduce life expectancy. These issues align with the goals of SDG 3, SDG 5, and SDG 10.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
The article emphasizes the need to address ageism to improve the emotional and physical well-being of older people, which aligns with SDG 3.4. It also highlights the discrimination faced by older women in the entertainment industry, connecting to SDG 5.1. Lastly, it discusses the negative impact of ageism on social inclusion, supporting the target of SDG 10.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of older people reporting positive self-perceptions about aging
- Percentage of older people experiencing improvements in memory and physical health after exposure to positive age beliefs
- Percentage of older people participating in healthy lifestyle activities (exercise, volunteering, computer use)
- Percentage of older people developing dementia based on their age beliefs
- Life expectancy of older people with positive age beliefs
The article suggests that positive age beliefs can lead to improvements in memory, physical health, and overall well-being among older people. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets of SDG 3.4. Additionally, the impact of ageism on the development of dementia and life expectancy can also serve as indicators for measuring progress towards the targets of SDG 10.2.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | – Percentage of older people reporting positive self-perceptions about aging – Percentage of older people experiencing improvements in memory and physical health after exposure to positive age beliefs |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. | – Percentage of older women facing discrimination in the entertainment industry |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Percentage of older people participating in healthy lifestyle activities (exercise, volunteering, computer use) – Percentage of older people developing dementia based on their age beliefs – Life expectancy of older people with positive age beliefs |
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: washingtonpost.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
