"The Elderly"

A discriminatory term that is misunderstood

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/nzaroe.v26.6852

Keywords:

elderly, older adults, ageism, online media, age stereotypes

Abstract

Older people in Aotearoa New Zealand too often experience negative attitudes or behaviours towards them based on their age. A pertinent example of this is the term “the elderly.” The objective of this research was to understand how stereotypes of “the elderly” are portrayed in the online arena in social and public spaces. Within Aotearoa New Zealand, 155 online media items using terms like “the elderly” and “elderly” were tracked, recorded and analysed during 2019 to determine stereotypical meanings of “the elderly.” Results revealed use of the term “the elderly” reflected various stereotyping and ageist discourses in the message. Labelling older people as “the elderly” may perpetuate social exclusion and discrimination faced by older people. As educators, we have a responsibility to create opportunities for meaningful intergenerational exchanges and relationship building within our teaching and learning activities.

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Author Biography

Diana Amundsen, University of Waikato

Dr Diana Amundsen is a lecturer and researcher in higher education, adult learning, and older adult development at the University of Waikato. Diana’s research interests span higher education, adult learning and development with a particular focus on transition experiences of marginalised groups. Currently, Diana’s research focus is working with transitions in the lives of older adults, positive ageing and longevity issues.

References

Applewhite, A. (2019). This chair rocks: A manifesto against ageism. Melville House.

Bowen, G. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27-40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027

Greenberg, J., Schimel, J., & Martens, A. (2002). Ageism: Denying the face of the future. In T. D. Nelson (Ed.), Ageism: Stereotyping and prejudice against older persons (pp. 27-48). MIT Press.

Katz, S., & Calasanti, T. (2015). Critical perspectives on successful aging: Does it “appeal more than it illuminates”? Gerontologist, 55(1), 26-33. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu027 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu027

United Nations. (2019). World Population Ageing 2019. https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/ageing/WorldPopulationAgeing2019-Highlights.pdf

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Published

2021-07-01

Issue

Vol. 26 (2020): New Zealand Annual Review of Education

Section

Articles

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