In popular culture, the depiction of elders is a complex and evolving topic, marked by a history of harmful stereotypes alongside recent, more nuanced portrayals. For decades, film and television have relied on a narrow range of archetypes that fail to reflect the diversity and vitality of the aging population. While the push for greater inclusivity in media has spurred some positive changes, ageism remains a significant issue, influencing how older adults are perceived by society and even by themselves.
The Prevalence of Negative Stereotypes
Negative portrayals of older adults in media are widespread and often rely on a limited set of tropes. These stereotypes are not only inaccurate but can also have real-world consequences, contributing to negative attitudes and discrimination. Researchers have identified several common negative archetypes:
- The Severely Impaired: This stereotype depicts older adults as frail, senile, and incompetent. These characters are often seen as burdens on their families or society, and their stories are frequently centered on decline and loss. A 2016 USC study found a majority of films with ageist comments included negative references to the health and mental well-being of seniors.
- The Shrew/Curmudgeon: This is the archetypal grumpy old man or cranky old woman, perpetually ill-tempered and resistant to change. Characters like Grandpa Simpson often serve as comic relief, but they reinforce negative ideas about the inflexibility of older individuals.
- The Technologically Inept: Despite data showing that most older adults use technology regularly, media often portrays them as being baffled by computers or smartphones. This stereotype suggests older people are out of touch with the modern world and unable to adapt.
- The Asexual or Unattractive: Older characters, especially women, are frequently stripped of their romantic and sexual lives. If they are shown in a relationship, it is often treated as a joke or a curiosity, reinforcing the ageist notion that older individuals are no longer desirable.
The Problem with 'Positive' but Limiting Stereotypes
Not all problematic portrayals are overtly negative. Some seemingly positive stereotypes also limit character development and reinforce ageist ideas.
- The Wise Sage: This archetype positions an older character primarily as a source of wisdom and guidance for a younger protagonist. While this appears respectful, it denies the character their own complex narrative, reducing their value to their ability to assist younger generations. Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World is a classic example of this trope.
- The 'Golden Ager': This type portrays a highly active, adventurous, and perfectly healthy older adult. While celebrating vitality, it can inadvertently promote a harmful ideal that invalidates the experiences of older individuals who face physical challenges or are not constantly engaged in extreme sports.
- The Perfect Grandparent: This stereotype frames an elder as family-oriented, kind, and loving, existing solely to support and care for their family. This portrayal can be restrictive and fail to recognize that older individuals are complex people with independent interests and struggles beyond their family roles.
A Shift Towards Authentic Portrayals
In recent years, media has shown an increased willingness to move beyond tired stereotypes and explore the richness of later life. This shift has been driven by both increasing public demand and changing demographics.
- Complex Protagonists: Shows like Grace and Frankie and The Kominsky Method have featured older adults as central characters navigating complex relationships, personal growth, and career changes. These narratives challenge the idea that life becomes less interesting after a certain age.
- Intergenerational Storytelling: Productions that give equal narrative weight to characters of different ages are becoming more common. Films like The Intern foster empathy and understanding by showcasing the blending of perspectives and experiences across generations.
- Social Media's Impact: The rise of platforms like TikTok and YouTube has empowered older adults to create their own content and challenge stereotypes directly. Influencers like 'Grandma Droniak' or 'The Old Gays' provide authentic, unfiltered views into aging, subverting traditional media narratives.
Media Portrayals: Then vs. Now
| Aspect of Depiction | Traditional (Past) Portrayals | Evolving (Current) Portrayals |
|---|---|---|
| Representation Volume | Highly underrepresented, often relegated to peripheral roles. | Increasing presence, though still a disparity, with more leading roles emerging. |
| Key Tropes | Wise Sage, Grumpy Curmudgeon, Frail or Incompetent, Asexual. | Complex, multi-dimensional individuals; authentic, often non-stereotypical roles. |
| Technological Savvy | Overwhelmingly portrayed as technologically inept and out of touch. | More frequently shown using technology, especially on social media and in targeted advertising. |
| Romantic Life | Largely non-existent or played for laughs, especially for older women. | Showcased more realistically, exploring dating, relationships, and sexuality in later life. |
| Source of Narrative | Primarily from the perspective of younger characters, with elders as supporting figures. | Increasingly from the perspective of the older character, allowing for authentic, first-person narratives. |
| Physical Health | Often depicted as sickly, frail, or in a state of decline. | More nuanced, showing a range of abilities, and challenging the narrative of inevitable decline. |
| Intersectionality | Mostly focused on white, able-bodied, middle-class older adults. | Efforts towards more inclusive representations of race, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. |
Conclusion
While negative and limiting stereotypes still persist, the media landscape's depiction of older adults is undeniably shifting towards a more accurate and multifaceted reality. The rise of authentic portrayals in modern film and television, combined with the democratizing power of social media, is helping to dismantle ageist narratives. This evolution is a critical step not only for better representation on screen but also for fostering a more inclusive and respectful understanding of aging in society as a whole. As older populations grow and demand more authentic stories, popular culture is slowly but surely catching up.
Visit AARP's research page for more insights into media representations of aging.
