Elderly Americans Ignored in Best Picture Films, Study Says

A new study has found that characters aged 60 and above get to be misrepresented or underrepresented in Hollywood films (most especially in highly acclaimed movies). Results were uncovered through the partnership of the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Humana Inc., a health and well being company. Growing evidence, in this regard, poses implications to stereotypes on elderly Americans -- that to include possible negative health effects.

A theme found through the research was the perceived importance of feeling optimistic, recognized, or valued. The question now arises: if the elderly are not portrayed accurately onscreen, is their well being affected in real life?

For instance, in several highly acclaimed films shown from 2014 to 2016 reviewed, elderly characters were stereotyped by portraying them as feeble and sick. Because of this, elders may end up feeling undervalued and in the long run ill. In fact, it was also discovered that the elderly who reported feeling that way ended up twice as unhealthy as their counterparts.

What to do if your elderly loved ones are experiencing such stereotypes? What if you are availing of home care services? How can they manage caring for them? There are tons of ways to make it work for both parties. Discover the power of expert care solutions for your loved ones.