Learning aims

The aims of this learning object are to enable you to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of some main differences between society’s images and beliefs about ageing and later life and the aspirations and attitudes of older people
  • Discuss the impact of stereotypes of ageing and old age on older people’s lives
  • Evaluate evidence for widely held beliefs about poverty in old age

Estimated time required

40-60 min

Instructions

Welcome to the text only version of this learning resource. This version is intended for users using assistive software or may need to increase font sizes or for users with very slow connections.

This learning object is about ways in which people's experience of ageing and mental health are shaped by society's attitudes to older people and later life. You will consider the way age-related images and ideas, displayed in the media and in everyday language, shape our perceptions; but also what we know about older people's own attitudes and aspirations.

Navigation

We recommend that you work through the introduction, the three main sections and the conclusion in the order that they are presented. To move around use the buttons at the bottom of each screen.

References and self-assessment

When you have worked through the main sections you can:

  • visit the 'References' section where you can access extra materials that were references throughout and may provide useful opportunities for further reading/research. There is also a printable version of the reference list on this screen
  • visit the 'Self-assessment' section and test how far you have assimilated the key messages from this learning object

Case study materials

The case study materials used in these learning objects are based on first-hand accounts and personal experience. The majority of the images and voices used are those of actors. This approach has been adopted to protect the identities of the service users and carers whose accounts we have drawn upon.