Psychology
Ageism and the Social Construction of Old Age
Quick fact
Studies have shown that older adults with more positive self-perceptions of aging live, on average, 7.5 years longer than those with negative self-perceptions, even after controlling for health, loneliness, and socioeconomic status—a difference greater than that caused by lifelong exercise.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard someone say, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' But what if that saying isn't just wrong—what if it's part of a system that actually makes older people less capable?