Social Image of Old Age, Gendered Ageism and Inclusive Places: Older People in the Media

Abstract

Ageism promotes the exclusion of older people from society by generating a negative image that they also internalize. The aim of this article is to investigate older people’s social self-image, through statements broadcast on a national Spanish radio program aimed at this group. A qualitative analysis was conducted for a random sample from the sound archive for the Radio Nacional de España program Juntos Paso a Paso (Together, Step by Step) (2008–2021), using codes based on the pillars and determinants of active ageing and the three dimensions of ageism. Intercoder agreement was calculated. There were significant findings regarding ageism, gendered ageism and ageing in place, with differences according to size of municipal area. The program in question can be considered a viable secondary source for the research aim. Ageism is most commonly manifested through implicit opinions and invisibilization in family and social contexts. Care activities play a notably central role in responses related to gendered ageism. In relation to ageing in place, older people prefer their habitual environment when they have moderate care needs and accept moves to nursing homes when their needs increase.

Is Aging a Disease? A Critical Review Within the Framework of Ageism

“…In the social sphere, the following can be pointed out: (i) the prejudices and stereotypes of old age and discrimination represented in the media (including virtual social networks) [49], which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic [50]; (ii) overvaluation of youth and rejection of the image of old age. The most obvious example is the so-called "anti-aging medicine" that proposes to cure aging to achieve eternal youth [51]; (iii) the invisibility of the contributions of the elderly in the economy.…”