- NYU scholars study ageism inside families and homes.
- They describe how adults treat older parents and relatives.
- Ageism means negative ideas about older people and aging.
- Families say jokes or comments that hurt older adults.
- Common ideas call older people helpless, lonely, or weak.
- These ideas can lower a person’s power and self-esteem.
- The paper links these family acts to serious social problems.
- An earlier 2020 paper got 5,500 downloads and attention.
- Researchers say families can change and give support.
Difficult words
- ageism — Negative ideas and treatment of older people.
- scholars — a person who studies or works at a university.
- relatives — a family member, like a parent or sibling.
- self-esteem — how a person feels about their own worth.
- helpless — not able to help oneself or act.
- support — help or care for someone when needed.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know an older relative?
- Have you heard jokes about older people?
- How can a family show support to an older person?
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