This Is the Most Ageist State in America

December 8, 2020

The method a society treats its elders is telling of its character, and a few states in the U.S. are getting a failing report card for his or her tendency towards ageism. A brand new examine from researchers at Stanford University and Michigan State has discovered that some places are better than others to grow old in—and you could need to plan your retirement accordingly. Read on to seek out out the most ageist state, in keeping with their analysis, and for one more state rating, discover out The Most Promiscuous State in America.

While individuals in all places throughout the U.S. reveal some stage of implicit age-based bias, sure states stood out for his or her damaging associations with superior age. “Early in life, we are exposed to an array of messages about what it means to be ‘old,'” the examine explains. “Representations in media, advertising, entertainment, and art reflect and reinforce cultural notions about the value of maintaining a youthful appearance, with the implication that old age is something we should try to avoid or conceal,” the authors wrote.

So what precisely are these cultural notions? Co-authors of the examine Hannah Giasson and William Chopik level out that older adults are typically regarded as “warm” but in addition “incompetent.” This mixture of traits interprets right into a decrease social standing, introduced down by emotions of pity. Unfortunately, the authors word, these damaging stereotypes are deeply ingrained and “particularly resistant to change, even in the face of stereotype-inconsistent behavior.”

Of course, all of us who stay lengthy sufficient will sometime discover ourselves in this marginalized demographic, and could also be on the receiving finish of ageism. “Older adults are one of the only stigmatized groups that we all become part of some day,” Chopnik advised Fast Company. “And that is all the time struck me as fascinating—that we’d treat so poorly a group of people that we’re destined to develop into.”

The authors add that this damaging notion may have actual life implications on the bodily and psychological well being of the advanced-age inhabitants. “As we encounter social cues and milestones that make age salient (e.g., birthdays, retirement, being called “senior”), negative attitudes and stereotypes about old age we have accumulated throughout our lives gain self-relevance, become integrated into our self-concepts, and can take a toll on health and well-being,” the examine explains.

The researchers reviewed information pertaining to 803,009 people from 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, together with the outcomes of surveys that measured implicit and specific age bias. Ultimately, this revealed which states had been the worst offenders when it got here to ageism—and the outcomes might shock you. Without additional ado, learn on for a the countdown of the 20 most ageist states in the U.S., and for extra on ageing, take a look at these 40 Words That Will Instantly Reveal Your True Age.

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