Older Adults More Respected in Japan, China, and Korea Than in U.S.

Inquirer.net reports that two new studies by Michigan State University (MSU) investigators highlight how ageism that harms seniors appears to be widespread in more individualistic nations. The first study , published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin , considered the concentration of prejudices in each country, showing that participants from more collectivistic cultures like Japan, China, India, and Brazil were less inclined to be biased against old age. Individualistic nations like the United States, Germany, Ireland, and Australia had more pronounced prejudice against seniors, and were more focused on maintaining a youthful and active appearance. The second study , published in the European Journal of Social Psychology , assessed certain U.S. states and gauged the impact of ageism on the health of older adults. Prejudices were strongest in southern and northeastern states, which posted lower life expectancies. Meanwhile, Medicare costs were higher in states that were more biased against older adults, community engagement was lower, and access to care was more constrained. "Both of our studies demonstrate how local environments affect people's attitudes and the lives of older adults," said MSU Professor William Chopik. "Being exposed to policies and attitudes at a country level can shape how you interact with older adults."