Reference no: EM133881860
Homework
Purpose of the Homework: This homework on "Perceptions of Aging" is designed to relate what you have learned in this course and/ your daily life/work and to encourage you to practice age-friendly tips in real world.
The term ageism was first introduced by Robert Butler. He defined ageism as " a process of systematic stereotyping and discriminations against people because they are old" (Butler, 1975).
In this course, you have busted some aging myths based on the facts on how normal aging actually affects a person physiologically, psychologically, and socially as well as the diversity of aging process among different individuals. You also learned some useful ways to make an age-friendly environment and interaction with older people. These tips can be readily applied to your daily life, work in hospitality industry or work in senior living industry when you are interacting with older employees, guests, customers or senior living residents. Get the instant assignment help.
It is important that senior living as well as hospitality employees have positive views of aging which are beneficial to employees as well as older guests and senior living residents. According to American Psychological Association, "people's positive beliefs about and attitudes toward the elderly appear to boost their mental health". Thus, workplaces should focus on educating employees and improving employees' knowledge and views about aging to help clarify some of the misconceptions about aging.
Based on your learning, answer these discussion questions.
A. Think of a family member, coworker, or friend that defies/confirms your stereotype of aging. Tell us your previous age-stereotypes and how this person defies/confirms your stereotype. (Note that your previous stereotypes do not indicate your prejudice. It simply means that you had inaccurate knowledge of aging).
B. Based on your learning of tips on creating an age-friendly environment and interaction, list three things you will do differently in the future when you serve, or work with or interact with older people.
C. Why do many societies often have negative concept about older generations?
D. Based on your readings and your own experience, suggest some strategies on how can we can help shift the negative mindset about old age and reduce ageist stereotyping and prejudice?