Ageism
By Madalyn Martin
The Social Justice Issue of Ageism
The Beatles “When I’m Sixty-Four”(1967)
I think that this song belongs on my soundtrack because it talks about some of the concerns people have as they grow older. It shows that we are scared that we will no longer be loved or needed as whenever we are older.
"In American culture, the aged are not depicted as experienced "elders." Rather, older people are tolerated and respected to the extent they can act like younger people and work, exercise, and have healthy relationships."(encyclopedia.com)
Lukas Graham “7 Years” (2015)
"35% of doctors consider high blood pressure a normal part of aging. Also, depression is linked to a normal factor of aging."(http://feltme01.blogspot.com/2013/01/surprising-facts-about-ageism.html)
Toby Keith “As Good As I Once Was”(2005)
"Less than 2% of prime time television characters are over 65. People who are younger often play the role of older characters." (http://feltme01.blogspot.com/2013/01/surprising-facts-about-ageism.html)
Bruce Springsteen “Glory Days”(1984)
"One survey of 84 people over the age of 60 in America found almost 80% of them reporting having experienced ageism." (http://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/ageism.php)
The Who "My Generation" (1965)
"Negative stereotypes not only hurt seniors, they might also actually shorten their lifespans, according to psychologist Becca Levy, PhD, Assistant Professor of Public Health at Yale University" (http://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/ageism.php)
John Mayer "Stop This Train" (2006)
"Most seniors are mentally and physically active regardless of age with a great deal to contribute. " (http://www.alfa.org/alfa/Ageism.asp)
Tom Lehrer “When You Are Old and Grey” (1953)
"Age stereotypes are often internalized at a young age - long before they are even relevant to people." (http://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/ageism.php)
Wiz Khalifa "See You Again"(feat. Charlie Puth) (2015)
"Nearly a quarter of the 600,000 people who experience a stroke in a given year will experience clinical depression." (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-older-adults-more-facts)
John Mayer "Waiting On The World To Change"(2006)
"There is a stigma that when a person is old it is an automatic assumption that they have a memory and/or physical disability."(https://patm23.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/ageism-and-the-impact-on-society-and-individual-worth/)
David Bowie "Changes" (1971)
"There was a longitudinal study with ages of 50 years and older that those with a positive self-perception of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with a negative self-perception. Positivity exposure helps significantly with memory and balance. Negativity exposure contributed to worse memory and feelings of worthlessness." (https://patm23.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/ageism-and-the-impact-on-society-and-individual-worth/)