Introduction
Aging and old age had in the past been marked by myths and stereotypes with the lack of a proper study on the process. However, gerontology emerged as a multidisciplinary subject that has various approaches explaining aging and covering various factors influencing the process. In that respect, this discussion is a demonstration of how the course on gerontology has changed my perceptions about aging. To achieve the objective, the discussion begins with an outline of my initial perceptions followed by an explanation of how they changed. Finally, the discussion explains how the subject’s understanding clears the myths and stereotypes on the aged.
Discussion
Initial perceptions
In my initial perception before the gerontology study, aging process was a journey of challenges and towards a life filled with negatives. In my view, I took all elderly to be alike, inflexible and isolated as well as being in poor health. Thus, aging was an undesirable process that occurred to an individual’s body setting them apart from the healthy and society’ active life to an unhealthy and isolated life (Cox, 2006, p. 29).
Perceptions change
With the study of gerontology subject, I realized that all my past perceptions on aging were myths and stereotypes. In that respect, my perceptions changed to view all elderly as different and not necessarily alike as their experiences define their differences. Also, I understood that their flexibility depends on their status and differences hence they are not all inflexible (Rowe & Kahn, 2015, p. 594). Further, there was an understanding that the elderly are part of the society, and their relationship with society in old age depends on their social changes and social transition as well as experiences towards the old age. Finally, I understood that not all elderly have poor health as health is subject to various aspects including social, economic, and cultural among others that affects their physical and psychological status (Cox, 2006, p. 29).
Gerontology and myths as well as stereotypes of aging adults
Given that Gerontology is a multidisciplinary subject, it entails consideration of various factors and processes that relate to aging. Thus, it defines aspects like social, economic, political and cultural factors that influence the aging process. In that respect, it plays a great role in enhancing understanding of the aging process clearing the myths about aging as well as the stereotypes of the old aged (Novak, 2012, p. 27).
Conclusion
The discussion has clearly demonstrated the usefulness of gerontology as a multidisciplinary subject that explains the aging process. In that respect, the subject’s various approaches consider different factors and processes that influence aging hence enhancing the understanding of the process. With that, myths on aging and stereotypes on the old aged are cleared as has been the case with my perceptions after the course.
References
Cox, H. (2006). Later Life: The Realities of Aging. 6th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Novak, M. (2012). Issues in aging. 4th Ed. New York: Pearson Publishers.
Rowe J. & Kahn, R. (2015). Successful Aging 2.0: Conceptual Expansions for the 21st Century. Journal on Gerontology, 70 (4), 593-596.
