Public Perceptions of Older People A literature review

sketches of elderly people drawn by a sample of students lacked clear
depictions of gender. These images were explained by students as reflections
of the stereotype of older people as sexless, lacking sexual desire, interest,
ability, and activity. This stereotype of older people has been reported in other
studies (Kimuna et al. 2005; Arnold-Cathalifaud et al. 2008). Any sexual
behaviour in older people is generally negatively perceived and deemed as
unacceptable by the public (Kane 2006).
Older women in particular, are more likely to be perceived as non-sexual. For
example, Arnold-Cathalifaud et al. (2008) found from a sample of young
people surveyed, 69% tended to consider elderly woman ‘sexually inactive’,
compared to 62% for elderly men. Similarly, Kane (2006) reported that
perceptions surrounding older males who engaged in sexual behaviours were
generally negative but judgments on this were much harsher for older
women. On the whole, older people are generally stereotyped as asexual and
sexless. Sexual activity among the elderly is frowned upon and deemed
unacceptable, particularly for older women.
7.5.1.4 Mental decline
A decline in mental ability is perceived as inevitable in older people and is
another commonly reported stereotype associated with ageing (Palmore
1999). This stereotype believes that age reduces competence, intelligence,
ability, and results in memory loss (Kite et al. 2005). Musaiger and D’Souza
(2009) noted the importance of mental alertness in defining older age. They
found that most respondents agreed that the elderly tend to have decreased
learning capability, and that older people become confused, forgetful, and
cannot remember or learn new things (Musaiger & D’Souza 2009). Cuddy et
al. (2005) found that older people are rated as less intellectually competent
than younger people. Furthermore, people are more likely to attribute
memory failure in older adults to intellectual incompetence, while memory
failures in younger adults are often attributed to lack of attention or effort
(Erber et al. 1992; Erber et al. 1996; Erber & Prager 1999).
In Arnold-Cathalifaud et al.’s (2008) study, students were asked to estimate
an age for three categories: senior citizens, elderly men and elderly women.
Senior citizens were perceived to be significantly younger than elderly men
and women and were subsequently rated better on a number of competence
related domains. For example, 43% of participants considered senior citizens
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