Old Age Identities

• What is the main focus of Sontag's discussion on ageism in media?


  Women are required to be youthful throughout their media careers, while men are not.
• How is ageism reflected in the representation of women in media?


  Through the under-representation of middle-aged and elderly women as news-presenters and hosts.
• What stereotypes of older people are highlighted by Pilcher?


  Ageism is expressed through prejudices that assume competency is limited by age.
• How are old people often described in media representations?


  In derogatory or condescending ways.
• What impact do media and popular stereotypes have on older people?


  They marginalize older people as inferior.
• What employment practices reinforce ageism against the elderly according to Amber & Ginn (1993)?


  Redundancy, unemployment, and retirement.
• What are the consequences of retirement for elderly individuals?


  Loss of status, self-respect, purpose, and social isolation.
• What challenges do workers in their mid-40s face when made redundant?


  They experience age barriers in finding new jobs.
• How do employers perceive older people according to Bradley (1996)?


  As less suitable for employment due to assumptions about their physical abilities.
• What does the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations Act (2006) provide?


  Protection against age discrimination in employment and education.