Infantilization of the Older Generation as a Factor of their Self-Limiting Attitudes and Practices

Abstract

The paper raises the problem of the negative impact of patronizing attitude towards older people on their life practices, which is one of the manifestations of ageism. Patronizing behavior that is implemented towards the older generation in the form of simpli-fied language, exaggerated intonations, slow speech, a tendency to make decisions about the life of an elderly person, ignoring his opinion, etc., in turn, can have an infantilizing effect on the elderly person, forcing him to take a subordinate position. The study, based on empirical data, proves that this, in turn, causes self-limiting practices of older peo-ple. Representatives of the older generation who succumb to the influence of the negative social construct of old age transmitted by others, and as a result adopt a subordinate position, have higher risks of minimizing interpersonal, social and creative activity. Their way of life, in comparison with those who oppose the patronizing attitude or evaluate it negatively, is more focused on the “generally ac-cepted”. They are more likely to abandon their goals, plans, due to their own idea that at their age they are “not up to the task”, less often they act contrary to the opinion of others “about the right and wrong at this age”, refusing to defend their position. Accept-ing the patronizing attitude with gratitude, at the same time, they are more likely than those who are annoyed by this attitude to ignore health-saving practices, considering that diseases are an indis-pensable attribute of old age, so it is pointless to fight them. They are more likely to give up pleasures, joys, desired things in favor of younger people, con-sidering themselves unworthy of them. In conclu-sion, the article suggests ways to solve the identi-fied problem.

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