Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Aging Stigma and the Health of US Adults Over 65: What Do We Know?
Julie Ober Allen1,2, Nadine Sikora1
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
Abstract:
This narrative review assessed the current state of research on aging stigma and health relevant to US adults ages 65 and older. We adopted a stigma framework to highlight aging stigma as a meaningful social construct and the complex ways in which it may be harmful for health. We identified 29 studies of various types (experimental, intervention, cross-sectional quantitative, longitudinal quantitative, and qualitative) published between 2010 and 2023 that investigated relationships between concepts related to aging stigma and health. Aging stigma was associated with poor short- and long-term health outcomes spanning cognition, psychological wellbeing, physical health, and hospitalizations. The premise that aging stigma is harmful to health was moderately well supported, while evidence that health influenced aging stigma was weak. Collectively, studies provided insight into several mechanisms through which aging stigma may affect the health of older US adults, while also highlighting areas for future research. Potential strategies for addressing aging stigma as a public health hazard were discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood

