How Does Ageism Affect Late Adulthood

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In America the process of aging is generally viewed negatively. It is associated with physical and mental deterioration. A bias toward individuals in late adulthood, known as “ageism,” negatively affects the elderly in areas such as the workplace, healthcare, and advertising among others. These negative stereotypes are thought to begin in childhood, and if left unchallenged, follow an individual into late adulthood(The Associated Press, 2004). The perceptions of aging can affect an individuals wellbeing, especially when they reach late adulthood. Research shows that adults with a positive view towards aging live longer than those who view aging negatively(Levy, 2002).

In Erikson’s psychosocial theory he describes late adulthood as being a

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