How Society View Old People in America

The society comprises of different groups of people that represent varying generations. However, there is contrast that exists between the different age groups in the society. Some misunderstanding occurs between old generation and the youngsters (Robbins, 2019). The situation arises from the changing perception of the young from the old people. Actually, there are different misperception the society view the old in America.  

Perception of the Society about the Old

The society believes that the aged amidst them lack adequate ability to perform different functions that are important in supporting progress in life. Indeed, the people feel that ageing is a form breaking down and renders the old less relevant to the society (Robbins, 2019). Due to the deteriorating control of the old, they are likely to suffer from different ailments and require constant health care (Stevens, 2019). The impact is increasing burden to the society to take care for such individuals. There is also perception that the ageing population cannot learn new things and thus are relatively conservative (Robbins, 2019). Actually, the view is that the old cannot present new ideas or skills necessary for improving the quality of life. The old are also incompetent concerning digital world and thus have little to add to the betterment of the society. 

Additionally, there is view that the old compete for the available resources with the rest in the society and this is unfair (Robbins, 2019). The young are unwilling to work with the old in the society with the perception that they require to retire. The society further views old as a bother because they have to support them economically when they cannot work. The incidence reduces the capacity of the young to focus on their goals in life.  When the ageing population cannot work due to age, they become a burden to the society (Stevens, 2019). Indeed, there is expectation that all individuals should contribute towards betterment of the entire society (Robbins, 2019). Therefore, individuals who do not contribute economically to the society are liabilities to the people. There is recognition of zero-sum type of thinking where the society does not want to engage the old in decision-making (Robbins, 2019). The impact is a trend of a society that turns away from finding solutions through community approaches. 

Further, the American society perceives the old as culpable of their past activities and therefore must take responsibilities (Robbins, 2019). The society believes the circumstances of aged among them are a reflection of their choices during their younger days (Robbins, 2019). Any person suffering at old age due to inadequate finances is a reflection of poor planning during the time they were energetic. Actually, people have a perception that irrespective of age, individuals should support their financial needs. It is therefore responsibility of the old to ensure that they have financial security to support themselves as they age.  Additionally, people feel that individual’ choices, willpower and attitude determines how old they feel as they age. 

Conclusion

The society has different misconceptions about the ageing population amidst them and their attitude is relatively negatively. The society believes that the old have little ability to learn new things and therefore embrace conservative thinking. Further, there is a view that the old competes directly with the young on available resources and creates unnecessary burden to them. Indeed, old people are prone to sickness and it is the responsibility of the society to take care of their health. Additionally there is a conception that the quality of live by the old is reflection of their past lifestyle and ability to embrace proper financial plans. 

References

Robbins, L. A. (2019). Gauging Aging: How Does the American Public Truly Perceive Older Age – And Older People? American Society of the Aging. Retrieved January 10, 2019, from: https://www.asaging.org/blog/gauging-aging-how-does-american-public-truly-perceive-older-age-and-older-people

Stevens, H. (2019). Pew research: Americans view elderly care costs as family responsibility. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 10, 2019, from: https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-elderly-care-american-attitude-balancing-20150527-column.html