Archaic stereotypes and modern approaches in understanding of aging

Resumo

Social sciences are in the process of understanding the place of aged people in society and elaborating an adequate attitude to global aging and the elderly themselves. This appears as a conflict between the archaic stereotypes and new approaches demanded by the changed social and age structure of society. These stereotypes are characteristic not only of the elderly cohort but also of the established scientific institutions and practices. It is necessary to retarget science, media, and social policy to study and implement the potential of postponed aging.