Systematic Literature Review On Ambivalent Representations Of Older Persons In The Media

Abstract

Owing to decreasing fertility and increasing longevity, population ageing rapidly spreads worldwide, and the media coverage of older persons correspondingly increases. There are both positive and negative depictions of older people in the media. This study investigates how older persons are ambivalently depicted in the media. According to the PRISMA statement, the required articles about media representations of older persons are selected in the Web of Science (WoS), the research database in this study. Through the analysis of themes included in the required articles, there are seven primary aspects reflecting ambivalent representations: (a)presence frequency; (b)physical features; (c)personality traits; (d)health conditions; (e)social engagement; (f)stereotypes; and (g)gender. It is found that the heterogeneity of older people, including older women and other older subgroups, should be objectively described in the media, not only some certain positive or negative features. Multilevel and diverse representations of older persons in the media may help the viewers think over the age stereotypes in their minds and change their perceptions of older persons, which might alleviate ageism across time.