The beliefs of the elderly about old age

Considered a complex and expected stage of life, old age is perceived and felt in different ways, taking into account the context of life, the diversity of individual and social experiences. It is impossible to generalize the concept "old age", once there are several ways of experiencing it. In addition, old age encompasses heterogeneous experiences within an individual reality and with great influence from society.Although old age is reinforced by some studies as a phase of life that can be positive, negative associations are always present and many people fear growing old, since, to a large extent, society does not recognize its value and social importance. Age stereotypes are capable of unconsciously affecting the subject's thoughts, feelings, and behavior, while negative beliefs about the elderly can cause harmful consequences in their old age.In this sense, the self-esteem of the elderly, impacted by prejudice, can be affected even by their own beliefs about age.Thus, one can admit the negative belief as a stressor, which, in turn, may require a coping strategy.