Myths of Aging – A8

Write 3–4 pages in which you apply research findings on aging to determine the accuracy of myths of aging and analyze how the research could be used to change the way society thinks and acts toward older people.

Preparation

Look for scholarly and professional research articles that deal with the many myths of aging. You will choose one myth to examine, so choose at least two articles that deal with the same myth.

Requirements

When we think about growing old, what myths and stereotypes come to mind? Our society frequently depicts aging as bad and the elderly as frail, forgetful, grouchy, inflexible, and unable to learn new things. But are these beliefs accurate?

For this assessment, choose one of the following myths about aging to examine.

1. Older people are not interested in the world around them.
2. Older people do not want or need close relationships.
3. Older people make little contribution to society.
4. As people get older, they get more set in their ways and will not change.
5. Mental and physical deterioration are inevitable.
6. Older people are not interested in sex or intimacy.
7. Older people cannot make good decisions about important issues.
8. Older people want to die.
9. Older people are just not capable of learning new things like technology.

You should have located at least two research articles that examined the areas of late adulthood functioning for the myth you selected. Now, complete the following:

• Summarize each of the research articles. Include both the design and method used in the research.
• Explain what the researchers found in their studies.
• Using the research as support, how accurate is the myth you selected?
• Analyze how this research might be used to change the way society perceives older people and reshape social policies related to older people.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Your writing should be free of errors that detract from the overall message and is consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.
• APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style.
• Resources: Minimum of three scholarly or professional resources. Note: Popular resources such as Wikipedia or About.com are not considered to be appropriate.
• Length: 3–4 typed, double-spaced pages not including title page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font.