Aging With Attitude

This course consists of three lessons to develop understanding about how negative attitudes about aging can have negative effects. In the first lesson, we will discuss what ageism is and how attitudes may affect older adults. In the second lesson, I will read through common ideas and thoughts about aging and older adults for you to identify whether the statement is a myth or a fact. In the third course, we will go back through those statements to identify and discuss which is myth and which is fact. In the fourth and final lesson of this series, we will discuss research that further supports the importance of attitude about aging, as it relates to one’s emotional and even physical health. Tools used for this course include some way for you to keep notes- whether that be via your computer or phone, pen to paper or however else you choose to engage. The key is to engage, you will engrain greater knowledge, when you actively participate in the course. Music by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com

Leçon 1: Aging With Attitude: Introduction

Aging with Attitude is a course developed to discuss societal beliefs and attitudes around aging and why we should reframe negative ageist ideas as they have real impacts on us as individuals, communities, and societies at large. This first session of the series, the introduction, provides examples of how ageism shows up in our world and lays the foundation for the classes to follow. (Music by: Chris Collins, Indiebox Music)

Leçon 2: Aging With Attitude: What Is Ageism

In this session of Aging with Attitude, we will define ageism and start to talk about how it can show up in personal and professional interactions. According to the World Health Organization, “Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” “Ageism can change how we view ourselves, can erode solidarity between generations, can devalue or limit our ability to benefit from what younger and older populations can contribute, and can impact our health, longevity and well-being while also having far-reaching economic consequences.” As with racism and many other forms of discrimination, ageism is so deeply embedded in our culture that we often don’t even notice it’s there. But the language we use to refer to older people in casual conversation can be harmful and help perpetuate unfair stereotypes, beliefs and attitudes toward older adults. (Music by: Chris Collins, Indiebox Music)

Leçon 3: Aging with Attitude: Test Your Knowledge

In this Aging with Attitude session, I will read through twenty statements for you to identify if this is a factual statement about aging or if it is a false statement. These statements come from an article written by Herbert Lingren published in the Children and Family Journal from 1991 and while some of the language in the article may be a bit outdated, the beliefs and attitudes continue to exist today. Grab your journal or pen and paper so that you can test your knowledge about aging. We will go over the answers in lesson four. (Music by: Chris Collins, Indiebox Music)

Leçon 4: Aging with Attitude: Fact or Myth

In this Aging with Attitude session, we revisit the twenty statements from the previous class to check our work. Grab your journal or notes in your phone so you can track the facts and myths as we review them. We will identify the facts about aging as well as the myths and sometimes ageist ideas to have better understanding of what is true and what may be a false narrative perpetuated by our society.

Leçon 5: Aging with Attitude: Positive Attitudes and Healthy Aging

In this final Aging with Attitude session, I will discuss various research that supports the idea that positive attitudes around aging can positively affect one’s aging experience. This conversation builds on previous sessions where we discussed how harmful ageist attitudes and behaviors can be to individuals and our society at large. We will conclude the session by committing to an anti-ageist attitude, to sharing our new knowledge about aging and ageism with others and to have gratitude for each moment we are aging- because that means that we are living.

Reviews

Very informative and fact based. I learned much and feel better equipped to be more sensitive to ageist attitudes and comments.

Great course! Such a relevant topic and shows how polarized our society is. Our current and last president are both 80ish yet older adults are routinely ignored and considered a burden. It’s especially true for women. Thanks for bringing awareness to this important issue

Great points to think about as I age AND to make my kids and grandkids aware of

Many thanks Jessie for this positive course on ageing and our attitudes to this natural process. Liked the evidence based research you shared. Tasks to look at own attitude to ageing really helpful. Recommend this course to everyone!

Love this course!!! Thank you!!
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Wonderful course. So relevant and inspiring. I intend to do my part in changing attitudes.

In simple language, she presents accepted truths about aging, and why they need *not* be true. You have the power to squelch them.

If you want to make them true, this is your call. Dig a deep pit and dive in it. I will not be joining you.

This course inspired me to want to celebrate each year, each day. I am inspired to find projects that align with my values, and that I am passionate about. I want to reject negative stereotypes about aging. I want to stay socially active. I want to give gratitude for each moment that I am aging. 🌸 🌺

Thank you for sharing information about aging and ageism. This is important work.

Thank you for being part of educating and sharing knowledge on becoming a wisdom keeper.

Really awesome info and outlook as I am aging myself now. Agism is definitely a thing. Thank you for offering this 🤗