Manifestations of Internalized Ageism in Older Adult Learning

While ageism can be understood as an unconscious defence mechanism against a feeling of apprehension toward ageing on behalf of young and middle-aged groups, older persons themselves are not exempt from such internalized and implicit psychological machinations. Internalized ageism constitutes an insidious form of ageism that compels older adults to embrace social norms that devalue or marginalize same-aged peers by either acting in ways that reinforce the youth norm by battling the visible markers of ageing such as grey hair and wrinkles or denying any commonality and camaraderie with same-aged peers. This article explores that interface between internalized ageism and older adult learning by analyzing one of its hallmark institutions, the University of the Third Age (U3A), in the context of psychosocial interventions that are utilized by older people to defuse or counterbalance the noxious effects of negative self-perceptions of ageing. Research evidence demonstrated that U3A members generate counter-stereotypes by constructing a "third age" mental imagery and positioning themselves firmly in it while also practicing self-differentiation strategies to ameliorate or even prevent the negative impact of internalized ageism on their self-esteem and confidence. The U3A not only functions to meet the expressive and coping needs of older persons but also serves as a safe haven and buffer zone for older persons to stretch their middle-aged identity and at the same time distance themselves from being labelled as members of the "old age" cohort.