This weeks readings were about the portrayal of ageing in the media. One of the first things I read about in the article The Portrayal of Older Characters in Disney Animated Films was that by the time children enter middle school, they have most likely already developed a negative view of older adults (Robinson et al., 2007). This is called “pre-mature cognitive commitment” (Milner et al.). What this means is that age-based stereotypes are first internalized in childhood, where the child fully accepts these beliefs about aging. Then, when a person perceives themselves as aging, this internal coding is switched on. This individual will then begin to act in ways that are consistent with their preconceived ideas, thus fulfilling a self-fulfilling prophecy. However, The Media’s Portrayal of Aging also stated that subconscious priming for either negative OR positive stereotypes can impact the function of older adults (Milner et al.). The authors wrote that individuals who are exposed to positive primes often perform better on not only physical tasks, but cognitive tasks as well; in addition, those with a positive self-perception of aging are more likely to engage in more health-promoting strategies and take better care of themselves (Milner et al.). To me, this was the single most important piece of information that I read this week. ONE MUST PERCEIVE THAT HE/SHE HAS CONTROL OVER HIS/HER OWN HEALTH OUTCOMES. In fact, the article even stated that people can “literally think themselves into the grave 7.6 years early by feeling ‘bad’ about getting old” (Milner et al.).
Another piece of information I found interesting in this weeks articles were that most children will incorporate wheelchairs, canes, slippers, glasses, and even hearing aids into pictures portraying older adults (Falchikov in Robinson et al. 2007). Being a communicative disorders major, soon to be a graduate audiology student, I found the idea of children drawing hearing aids in their pictures to be quite interesting. During an aural rehabilitation class I took last semester, we learned about people who may need our services, and why some people may be apprehensive to receive them. One of the top reasons for people choosing not to wear hearing aids is because they feel that it would make them look old. Another reason is because of the ‘hearing aid effect.’ The following passage is from a paper I wrote last semester in my aural rehabilitation class:
“Another major reason for the poor acceptance of hearing aids is the ‘hearing aid effect’ (Cienkowski and Pimental, 2001). People with hearing aids are often looked at as having reduced abilities, and are thought to be less attractive and intelligent (Schow and Nerbonne, 2007). Women wearing hearing aids were rated as less attractive, less friendly and lacking confidence, where the raters were not aware of the women wearing hearing aids (Doggett et. al in Schow and Nerbonne, 2007). This suggests that hearing aid wearers may project a negative self-image, or are less self-assured.”
I look at the ‘hearing aid effect’ as being almost parallel to what I will call the ‘aging effect.’ Because one is getting old, they are often looked at as having reduced abilities and are thought to be less attractive (just like in the hearing aid effect). The study done on women wearing hearing aids shows how important self-image/a positive self-perception is. In the study, the raters had no idea that the women were wearing the hearing aids, yet the women consistently received poorer scores than non hearing aid users due to their negative feelings toward wearing hearing aids. This is just another example that goes to show the importance of the way one views themselves.
I realize that this week’s focus was on how the media portrays aging. But my point is that a single individual cannot control what the media depicts, but they can control their own feelings and attitudes about a positive self-perception of aging. This is what is important. In past posts I have talked about the importance of this (with reference to my 91 year old, part time working, tattooed grandmother) and also the importance that education can play in benefiting the older generations. To change all of the media, advertising, and marketing that portrays a negative image of aging is short of changing the world. But changing ones own perspectives, thoughts, and actions is something that people do everyday. I know that one day I may eventually perceive myself as being old, and I know that the media will probably not represent myself or others in my age group correctly. However what I will know is that it does not matter what pictures the magazine articles use, or what slogans are written on billboards, or even what actresses are picked for movies, what matters is my own self-perception.
Robinson, T., Callister, M., Magoffin, D., Moore, J. (2007). The Portrayal of Older Characters in Disney Animated Films. Journal of Aging Studies (21), 203-213.
Milner, C., Norman, K. V., Milner, J. The Media’s Portrayal of Aging. Global Population Ageing: Peril or Promise? 25-28
Schow, R. L., & Nerbonne, M. A. (2007). Introduction to Audiologic Rehabilitation 5th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn and Bacon
Cienkowski, K.M., & Pimentel, V. (2001). The Hearing Aid ‘Effect’ revisited in young adults. British Journal of Audiology, 35(5), 289-295.
GWS 350 