Gerontology: Images of Aging in Film - Essay Example

? Gerontology 3039: Images of Aging in Film Word Count 500 (6 pages) I. Introduction (200 words) There are certainly several movies that come to mind when one thinks of the elderly—for example, Driving Miss Daisy or Thelma and Louise. There are several films that show the elderly in a negative or unfavorable light. Portraying the elderly in mass media can be a challenging task, especially the development of roles that are non-traditional in terms of not being stereotypical. The media in general tends to be very unforgiving and does not allow people to age gracefully. On the other hand, in the United States, a culture of youth is strongly encouraged. This means that people who are older are not necessarily given the same chance to play roles on television and in movies. Rather, many elderly people are discriminated against unnecessarily because of their age. Without a doubt, the media plays a key role in shaping our ideas about the elderly. In this paper, the following issues will be discussed: the place of older adults in society according to film; how the analysis of this placement forces one to rethink about mass media consumerism; and finally, an examination of how the elderly are portrayed in films. It is with this examination we’ll find conclusions and solutions. II. How Film Portrays Older Adults and Their Role in Society (225 words) Life stories and how they are portrayed in television and in movies can be quite stereotypical. For example, the old woman in Driving Miss Daisy is not only a snobby rich white woman, but she’s bossy too—evocative of a negative stereotype about someone from that sort of demographic of ‘the rich white lady.’ Another example in film that comes to mind is the idea that, in Thelma and Louise, both women were in their late 40’s or early 50’s and having mid-life crises which ended in destructive behaviors. These are just some of the kinds of stereotypes that the elderly face. “The outcome [from one study was] the insight that life stories are fundamental to human identity and allow elders to tap into the ordinary wisdom contained in those stories. The author considers the dynamics of such an environment of wisdom within gerontological practice in light of a mutual storytelling and listening process.”1 As for men, they are commonly less subject to being stereotyped but evidence of it might be found occasionally. “Findings from the studies revealed age expectations and masculinity norms jointly affected people’s images of old men. Old men were favorably described more often than negatively stereotyped, and there was evidence of distinct late life masculinity expectations.”2 Certainly, roles in society are dictated by social mores that are expected of the elderly. III. How Analysis Forces One to Rethink Mass Media Consumerism (475 words) Mass media tends to shape how people feel about their body images. Elderly people are more at-risk to be made to feel inadequate about their bodies due to the fact that they have several life changes going on at one time. When the body is aging, one may feel less attractive due to the fact that several physical needs may come into play which were not necessary before one entered late adulthood. “[One] study investigated several body-image variables and their relationship to self-esteem in a sample of 148 men and women aged 65–85 years….[R]esults indicated… that…[w]hilst women appear to develop various strategies to counter the effects of ageing, men seem to be more negatively affected, particularly in relation to body functioning.”3 The mass media teaches us that sexuality for elders is taboo. Many people are made to think—by mainstream television and movies—that older people do not need sex, do not desire sex, and, further, that sex between elderly adults is disgusting. However, it is only a natural part of life. “[Certain indicators] are predictive of more negative and restrictive attitudes towards later life sexuality. Nurses in nursing homes hold significantly more negative attitudes than their residential counterparts. Later life sexuality should be included in all educational and training programmes for care staff in residential and nursing homes.”4 One couple had an especially difficult time coming to terms with the fact that one life partner was elderly and coming down with AD (Alzheimer’s Disease). It is often not recognized that the ill health of one partner can have a catastrophic effect on the other partner. This is why it is important for couples to maintain good communication. “[Using the] framework of social constructionism, [t]he following main themes emerged from [one] couple's story: (1) perspectives and preparation for future changes, (2) family influences and social support, (3) life evaluation, and (4) experiences with AD [Alzheimer’s Disease]. Results highlight…both partners [while] acknowledging the voice of the AD patient.”5 Acknowledging that the elderly have a voice in certain situations like these illnesses that befall them, is a wonderful way to connect with someone. The media often portrays the elderly as sick and in need of younger peoples’ help, also called learned helplessness. However, this is many times far from the truth. Many elderly people are independent and do not rely on others on a regular daily basis. The media should start to accurately portray the elderly as whole, well-rounded individuals—and that not everyone fits in the same neat little box when it comes to their needs, sexual or otherwise. Once the media starts examining the roles that it has traditionally carved out for the elderly, it might be able to change in accordance with the reflection of true reality—which is that everyone is an individual and that not everyone responds the same way universally. IV. A Critical Examination of How the Elderly Are Portrayed In Films (300 words) The elderly are usually portrayed in media and film as being too tired for sex, as well as the stereotype that sex is no longer enjoyable or pleasurable for elderly people. However, that assumption is all too common as much as it is probably inaccurate in several cases. “As our active years grow longer, what can we expect of our relationships? The truth may surprise you. Both sexes report a wonderful mutual discovery: ‘The desire--and the ability--to engage in gratifying sex can be sustained for a lifetime!’ …[O]ne has to be recognizing and adjusting to the normal sexual changes brought on by aging[, dispelling] myths about the effects of passing years on a healthy libido.”6 The media portrays that sex is only for young people, mainly because it is more appealing to show young, virile men and young, fertile women having intercourse or relations on television and in film. However, it has been demonstrated that sex is not just for young people only; rather, sex can be enjoyed by consenting adults even when they are older, and indeed they do! “Sex is not just for the young…The [UK Daily Mail] reports that …two US surveys [showed] more than 6,000 people aged 25 to 85 [who had] a satisfactory sex life [were] positively associated with health in middle age and later life…39% of men were sexually active compared to just 17% of women.”7 Additionally, women and men are encouraged to maintain an active sex life, as it is part of good health, well into their golden years. “[I]n the second half of life, [it is important to] overcom[e] health challenges and stay…sexy in long-term relationships, based on 145 interviews with men and women ages forty-five to eighty-seven.”8 Part of having good health includes having an active, vigorous sex life. V. Conclusion (300 words) Without a doubt, the elderly are definitely portrayed in certain lights within the context of the media and film. This is because society wishes to oppress the elderly to a certain extent in order to rein in their abundance of energy. Also, it is social conditioning that causes such treatment of the elderly to arrive at this point. At this juncture in time, the elderly are still discriminated against. This is called ageism and should not be accepted either by the film or media unless either medium is trying to change ideas and stereotypes about the elderly. The media definitely has a lot of bias when it comes to portraying the elderly, whether it be in film or television. It would be an added bonus if the way the elderly are portrayed in the media could be changed so as to not be so stereotypical anymore, but that will take time and education in order so peoples’ ideas are changed. It is true that many times the elderly have been typecast in certain roles, but that is bound to change once people start realizing the varied roles the elderly can play. Many of the ways in which society’s mindset can be changed include having to write new roles for the elderly in television and film roles. That will only come with more time and exposure to education about elderly issues. The media definitely plays a huge role in the way our society derives its overarching ideas about the elderly—especially with regard to film. It was critically examined here how film portrays older adults and their role(s) in society. This has not only helped one to become a better, more critical consumer of mass media, but it also helps one to realize how older adults are portrayed in film, consequentially. WORKS CITED Baker, Lucie, et al. “Body Image and Self-Esteem in Older Adulthood.” Ageing and Society (2009), 29: 977–995. Benbow, Susan M., et al. Nottingham Study of Sexuality & Ageing (NoSSA I) article, “Attitudes Regarding Sexuality and Older People: A Review of the Literature,” Sexual and Relationship Therapy (2006), 21(2): 149-161. ? Daniels, K., et al. “An Exploration of the Marital Relationship and Alzheimer's Disease: One Couple's Story. ?Families, Systems & Health: The Journal of Collaborative Family HealthCare (2007), 25(2): 162-77. Kenyon, Gary M. “Telling and Listening to Stories: Creating a Wisdom Environment for Older People.” Generations: Journal of the American Society on Aging (2003), 27 (3): 30-33. Price, Alison, et al. Sexual health and the over 50s. UK: Lincolnshire Knowledge and Resource Service, 2010. ??Available: . Price, Joan. Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk About Sex After Sixty. US: Seal Press, 2005. Thompson, E.H. “Images of Old Men’s Masculinity: Still a Man?” Sex Roles (2006), 55: 633–648. ?? Williamson, M. L. Great Sex After 40: Strategies for Lifelong Fulfillment. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000. Available: . Read More