Ageing and the Media: International Perspectives

Media representations of ageing can negatively impact older people's self-esteem, health status, physical wellbeing, and cognitive performance, and this international collection examines different dimensions of ageing and ageism in a range of media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Media representations of ageing play a significant role in stereotype formation and reinforcement, which can have negative impacts on the self-esteem, health status, physical wellbeing, and cognitive performance of older people. This international collection examines various dimensions of ageing and ageism in a range of media, including the UK media during the COVID-19 pandemic, age, gender, and mental health in Ghana, advertising in Brazil, magazines in Canada, Taiwanese newspapers, comics, graphic novels, and more. By bringing together leading scholars, this book critically considers differences in media portrayals and how older adults use and interact with the media.

The UK media during the COVID-19 pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the UK media, with many older adults experiencing increased isolation, loneliness, and anxiety. This has led to a rise in the portrayal of older people in the media as vulnerable, helpless, and in need of care. However, there have also been some positive representations of older people, such as those who have been working on the front lines of the pandemic or who have been volunteering to help others.

Age, gender, and mental health in Ghana:
Ghana is a country with a rapidly aging population, and age, gender, and mental health are major concerns. This chapter explores the media's portrayal of these issues and how they impact older people's lives. It highlights the importance of promoting positive images of older people and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Advertising in Brazil:
Advertising in Brazil is a significant industry, and it has a significant impact on the way older people are portrayed in the media. This chapter explores the use of ageist stereotypes in advertising and how they can be harmful to older people's self-esteem and health. It also highlights the efforts of some advertising agencies to promote positive images of older people.

Magazines in Canada:
Magazines in Canada are a popular source of information and entertainment for older adults. This chapter explores the portrayal of older people in magazines and how they can be used to promote positive images of aging. It highlights the importance of featuring older people in a variety of roles and settings and of avoiding ageist stereotypes.

Taiwanese newspapers:
Taiwanese newspapers are a significant source of news and information in Taiwan. This chapter explores the portrayal of older people in Taiwanese newspapers and how they can be used to promote positive images of aging. It highlights the importance of featuring older people in a variety of roles and settings and of avoiding ageist stereotypes.

Comics, graphic novels, and more:
Comics, graphic novels, and other forms of visual media have become increasingly popular among older adults. This chapter explores the portrayal of older people in these media and how they can be used to promote positive images of aging. It highlights the importance of featuring older people in a variety of roles and settings and of avoiding ageist stereotypes.

Conclusion:
Media representations of ageing play a significant role in stereotype formation and reinforcement, which can have negative impacts on the self-esteem, health status, physical wellbeing, and cognitive performance of older people. This international collection examines various dimensions of ageing and ageism in a range of media, including the UK media during the COVID-19 pandemic, age, gender, and mental health in Ghana, advertising in Brazil, magazines in Canada, Taiwanese newspapers, comics, graphic novels, and more. By bringing together leading scholars, this book critically considers differences in media portrayals and how older adults use and interact with the media.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447362036