Aging Stereotypes

When I was younger (like 12 and younger) I was not to fond of the elderly since some of them took longer with maneuvering around, experienced memory problems, and sometimes needed assistance due to disability or maladies. Also, some of the old people at the time were in and out of hospitals, different family members homes, or nursing homes that somewhat bothered me with how dependent and frail they appeared to be.

Now that I am much older, wiser, and majoring in health sciences I have a better perspective on older individuals. In today's time there are some to many old people living longer, healthier, and independent lives due to medication, proper diet, people having regular check ups with their physicians, and physically active, and overall people taking their health more seriously that is very essential to surviving longer.

There are several elderly males and females who have caught my attention over the years, but my grandmothers stand out more to me since they do not look so old, believe in keeping themselves healthy with doctor visits, and being active, i.e. exercise. They are both sane and able to take care of of themselves. They constantly inspire me to take better care of myself so that if I'm fortunate to live to be an old woman that I will be in good shape physically as well as mentally.

Some common views of aging stereotypes are: that many of the elderly population are sickly, not good drivers, they move slower, experience memory loss, and are mean. However, there are some or perhaps even many older people who do not fall under this category and are in fact the opposite of the common perceptions of aging stereotypes. According to an aging stereotype article, in today's era many of the elderly have proven that not all of the stereotypes are true since many of them are living healthier, independent, and longer lifestyles. My personal outlook on what old is has definitely changed especially since some older people are able to function like they are 30 or 40 years old when in reality they are like in their 60's, 70's, or older.