Preparation

Look for scholarly and professional research articles that deal with the many myths of aging. You will choose one myth to examine, so choose at least two articles that deal with the same myth. Instructions

When we think about growing old, what myths and stereotypes come to mind? Our society frequently depicts aging as bad and the elderly as frail, forgetful, grouchy, inflexible, and unable to learn new things. But are these beliefs accurate? Scenario

You have been hired to address support staff (certified nursing assistants, many of whom are immigrants from diverse cultures) at a nursing home, as part of their training about working with the elderly population. Write a five-minute myth busting speech (3–4 pages) that you could give to nursing home support staff. Imagine that the majority of support staff in the nursing home are not native English speakers. Therefore, you are providing a written copy of the speech so they can translate and study it, helping to ensure comprehension. Write your speech using language that is easy to understand for your intended audience.

For this assessment, choose one of the following myths about aging to examine: Older people are not interested in the world around them. Older people do not want or need close relationships. Older people make little contribution to society. Older people are more set in their ways and will not change. Mental and physical deterioration are inevitable in older people. Older people are not interested in sex or intimacy. Older people cannot make good decisions about important issues. Older people want to die. Older people are just not capable of learning new things like technology.

You should have located at least two research articles that examined the areas of late adulthood functioning for the myth you selected. Now, complete the following: Summarize each of the research articles. Explain both the design and method used in the research. Explain what the researchers found in their studies. Explain how accurate the myth you selected is, using the research as support. Analyze how this research might be used to change the way society perceives older people and reshape social policies related to older people. Explain how this research may change policy and the way the staff interacts with the residents.

Example Assessment: You may use the assessment example, linked in the Assessment Example section of the Resources, to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like. Additional Requirements Written communication: Your writing should be free of errors that detract from the overall message and is consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions. APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style. Resources: Minimum of three scholarly or professional resources. Note: Popular resources such as Wikipedia or About.com are not appropriate. Length: 3–4 typed, double-spaced pages, not including title page and reference page. Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font.