Let’s Get Rid of Stereotypes
Not many people like being (23)_____ old. The language used to describe people in their fifties and beyond almost always has negative connotations. Old is associated with elderly, frail, past, over the hill — even mature, senior or pensioner are (24)_____ that reduce the value of older adults.
It might have been an attempt by society to (25)_____ for its oldest members who may have become less able to (26)_____ themselves in the past. But society must move on from stereotyped views that predetermine how we think about chronological age. The (27)_____ shows that the vast majority of over-50s, when asked whether they feel old, say “no”. When asked at what age they thought they might be old, most (28)_____ , Not until we reach our 80s - if at all”. Life is changing, but attitudes and (29)_____ norms have been slow to break up.
Of particular concern is that the word “old” has negative implications when it (30)_____ to employment. Being 50, 60 or 70 in the 21st century is no longer a predictor of physical or mental (31)_____ . People at that stage of their lives could be (32)_____ for a whole new beginning, a new career. Many want or need to carry on working and have considerable experience to offer employers.
