Write 3-4 pages in which you apply research findings on aging to determine the accuracy of myths of aging and analyze how the research could be used to change the way society thinks and acts toward older people.

When we think about growing old, what myths and stereotypes come to mind? Our society frequently depicts aging as bad and the elderly as frail, forgetful, grouchy, inflexible, and unable to learn new things. But are these beliefs accurate?

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

The Ebb of Time | Transcript.

Alzheimer's Resource Bank | Transcript.

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Library Resources

The following articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:

Foster, A. N., & Vacha-Haase, T. (2013). Practicing psychologists working with older adults: A qualitative study. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 44(6), 415-423.

Sinnott, J. (2009). Complex thought and construction of the self in the face of aging and death. Journal of Adult Development, 16(3), 155-165.

Fillit, H., & Butler, R. N. (2009). The frailty identity crisis. Journal of The American Geriatrics Society, 57(2), 348-352.

Lindinger-Sternart, S., & Laux, J. (2013). The life reflection and consequences of older adults' relationships: An empirical study. Adultspan Journal, 12(2), 80-90.

Course Library Guide

A Capella University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in the PSYC-FP3210 - Human Lifespan Development Library Guide to help direct your research.

Internet Resources

Access the following resources by clicking the links provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permissions for the following links have either been granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.

State of Oregon. (2012). Myths and stereotypes of aging. Retrieved from

http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/apd-dd-training/EQC%20Training%20Documents/Myths%20and%20Stereotypes%20of%20Aging.pdf

HBO: The Alzheimer's Project. Complete an Internet search for the term "HBO films the Alzheimer's Project." From the home page of the project, click on Watch the Films, then click Grandpa, do you know who I am? | Transcript. This is quite a comprehensive project by HBO, so you are encouraged to explore the entire site.

Assessment Instructions

Preparation

Look for scholarly and professional research articles that deal with the many myths of aging. You will choose one myth to examine, so choose at least two articles that deal with the same myth.

Requirements

When we think about growing old, what myths and stereotypes come to mind? Our society frequently depicts aging as bad and the elderly as frail, forgetful, grouchy, inflexible, and unable to learn new things. But are these beliefs accurate?

For this assessment, choose one of the following myths about aging to examine.

Older people are not interested in the world around them.

Older people do not want or need close relationships.

Older people make little contribution to society.

As people get older, they get more set in their ways and will not change.

Mental and physical deterioration are inevitable.

Older people are not interested in sex or intimacy.

Older people cannot make good decisions about important issues.

Older people want to die.

Older people are just not capable of learning new things like technology.

You should have located at least two research articles that examined the areas of late adulthood functioning for the myth you selected.

Now, complete the following:

Summarize each of the research articles. Include both the design and method used in the research.

Explain what the researchers found in their studies.

Using the research as support, how accurate is the myth you selected?

Analyze how this research might be used to change the way society perceives older people and reshape social policies related to older people.

Additional Requirements

Written communication: Your writing should be free of errors that detract from the overall message and is consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.

APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style.

Resources: Minimum of three scholarly or professional resources. Note: Popular resources such as Wikipedia or About.com are not considered to be appropriate.

Length: 3-4 typed, double-spaced pages not including title page and reference page.

Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font.