Mental health in old age: Social and Cultural context

Ageism

The term ageism was first defined by Robert Butler, who used the concept of age-based discrimination to describe prejudice of one age group against another age group.

Self- fulfilling prophecy and aging

• Older people tend to adopt the dominant negative image in society and behave according to this image, which defines what an older person should or should not do.

• A stereotypical and negative view of old age can influence decision-making on economic issues, social benefits or social policies.

• Underestimation of the physical and mental capacities of older people can lead to premature loss of independence, increased disability, higher rates of depression and premature mortality.

Societal changes

• Roles and the meaning of age are changing.

• Older people arrive in better physical and cognitive condition and dependency is delayed at older ages.

• People between the ages of 60 and 69 are not considered "old", they are defined from adulthood.

• The healthiest people are those who reach the age of 65 and have an average life expectancy of more than 20 years after that age.

Gerascophobia

erascophobia is an excessive or irrational fear of aging or growing old.

A person with gerascophobia may feel intense anxiety about:

• getting older,

• changes in appearance,

• loss of independence,

• illness,

• or death associated with aging.