In today

In today’s society ageism generally refers to age discrimination. However, in terms of motor development ageism is based on a person's relatively old age rather than race or gender, and is also the negative view many people have towards advancement in age. Aging, or gerontology is the study of the stages and process of human development and how the changes our body endures as we age affect our motor behavior.

· Did you know! – It is estimated by 2030 26% of the population will be 65 years or older.

Ageism and aging have become popular topics to research for the lifespan of humans has seen a continual increase since the late 1950’s and early 1960’s due to medical advancements, public education, and more active lifestyles. However, a consensus on the definition of ageism did not exist until it was declared by the director of the National Institute of Aging, Robert Butler in 1969. Despite the definitions of ageism and aging transitions in life based on the age periods (chart lower on page) can also be socially constructed such as limits on beginning and finishing public education, as well as senior citizen cards.

The popularity of studying ageism and aging has also increased as people have tried to become more understanding of their own mortality. People fear ageism and the process of aging because we fear our own death as well as losing our independence. Humans are self-sufficient beings that like to experience life first hand rather than being confined, and we view aging as adding restrictions onto our individual freedom. Since the late 1970's the American society has been described as maintaining stereotypes of aging that leave adolescents with the negative impression that aging is bad, and today’s society primarily promotes youth and vitality. This concept of a young society was postulated and investigated by Traxler in 1980. The perception of aged individuals has been and is readily apparent in language, media, and humor. Strong examples of this are phrases such as "over the hill" and birthday or greeting cards.

Traxler also hypothesizes that the emphasis of economic productivity in American culture is also a factor contributing to ageism. Age classification is not static for an individual's age classification changes throughout their lifespan. Both ends of the lifecycle are viewed as unproductive. As children we are too young to be a producing member of society, yet we have the potential to be contributors. As elders, we are viewed as being financially liable and no longer economic contributors. The middle ages are consequently perceived as carrying the burdens of both end of the lifecycle.

The destructive impact of ageism can be seen in three major areas: discrimination in the workplace, bias in the healthcare system, and social prejudice. Erroneous characterizations of older individuals such as sick or unhealthy, sexless, ugly or shriveled, powerless or weak, and mentally deficient contribute to unfair treatment of the elderly in all three areas.

However, this is not to say that all elders are viewed negatively or view aging negatively. Research conducted by Kelly and Wescott in 1991 discovered that most retirees are quite content and enjoy their freedom and leisure time. The goal of studying ageism and aging is to eventually eliminate all ageist stereotypes and to change the view our society has today about aging.

· Did you know! – A study proved that if the elderly lift light weights and do not let their muscles atrophy they will keep more independence, mobility, and possibly extend their lifespan by maintaining better physical fitness.

Click on the link below to watch a video clip on aging. (You may have to right click and click on follow the hyperlink). In the video clip, the Canadian Center for Activity completes fitness tests on the elderly to determine factors that effect dependency as one ages.

· Did you know! – Body mass is calculated by the formula known as a BMI which stands for Body Mass Index.

Heart Disease increases Blood Pressure increases Aches, Pains increase		Age increases
Physical Activity decreases		Exercise decreases

Feeling Old increases Acting "one's age" increases Stress, anxiety, depression increases		Fat increases
Self-esteem decreases		Physical Abilities decrease Strength decreases Energy decreases

Overall it is important to study ageism and aging to understand the mental and physical changes our lives may encounter as we age. These changes are studied under the four domains, cognitive, affective, motor, and physical created by Dr. Benjamin Bloom. This is relevant to motor development for in motor development we learn about the changes that occur in our behavior and ability to move in general and as we proceed through the lifespan.

From birth, our bodies are continually changing which is known as development. Understanding our physical bodily changes aids us in becoming more aware of the human body's capabilities allowing us to understand how to adapt to our surrounding environment. Having knowledge about the human body also helps us medically with the processes of treatment and diagnosis. Physically our body becomes larger in size as we age until we reach the age of approximately 45. This consequently causes our body mass and body composition to change as well. It is important to understand our body composition to accurately analyze our health. Our body's physical size can also affect the physical fitness activities we participate in, affecting our choice of lifestyle, health, and social learning.

As we age we also change mentally. This is important and relevant to motor development for it is important to understand how age affects us mentally for a persons mental state of readiness tells them subconsciously when they are ready to complete a task. Generally, as people become older they achieve their state of readiness quicker and easier due to a greater understanding of themselves, their environment, and an increased confidence level. As we grow and our mental state changes we gain more knowledge about our environment and ourselves that also affect our behavior. The interactions we have with others also weigh heavily on how we will behave, our perception, and the choices we make affecting our lifestyle.

Once we reach the age of approximately 45 we begin to digress in motor ability. Our bodies lose muscle mass, our joints lose lubrication, and our reaction time is delayed because we have passed our peak performing age. Many older adults are also "forced" into a life of inactivity despite their attempts to stay active furthering the regression process. Mentally, however, we never lose intelligence or knowledge. Despite this fact, people's memories can become less efficient due to a lack of stimulation. By studying ageism in motor development we can learn how to handle our physical deterioration better, and how to preserve or memories and maintain stimulant and active lifestyles.

		Late Adulthood 60+
		Middle Adulthood 40 – 60
		Early Adulthood Height Cessation – 40
		Adolescence Puberty – Height Cessation
		Late Childhood 9 – Puberty
		Middle Childhood 7 – 9

Early Childhood		Toddler hood Onset of Walking – 4
	Infancy
	Infancy	Neonatal Period Birth – 22 days after birth
Prenatal Period		Fetal Period 8 weeks – Birth
Prenatal Period		Embryonic Period Conception – 8 weeks