Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Aging Brains Can't Fend Off Stereotypes

Research suggests older adults have stronger recall for stereotypical information

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 1, 2009 6:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – The way the brain ages may make older people more inclined to prejudice, with new research suggesting that the elderly may have greater difficulty suppressing stereotypes. In one study, young and old adults were read stories which, in the words of the researchers, “allowed for stereotypic inferences” about blacks, Jews, and people from Appalachia. Afterward, older people were more likely to restate the stereotype as fact, reports Miller-McCune.

This "appears to be a more general phenomenon of aging," say the researchers, adding that older people "may be relying on stereotypes despite their best intentions to the contrary." A second study shows that the memory strength of stereotypes in older adults can be thwarted—but only if the stereotype is shown as false during initial comprehension.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Bee Vang, left, and Clint Eastwood are shown in a scene from, "Gran Torino." (AP Photo/Warner Bros., Anthony Michael Rivetti)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

This finding supports our suggestion that older adults are more likely to make stereotypic inferences during comprehension, and that this stereotyping carries over into their later memory for that information. - Lead researchers

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Low IQ Linked to Racism, Conservatism, Study Claims

'Sense of order' appeals to those with lower intelligence, researchers say

(NEWSER) - Children with low IQs are more likely to embrace conservative ideologies and to be prejudiced against gays and people of other races as they get older, according to research certain to spark a few heated conversations. The researchers say people with lower intelligence tend to be attracted to the structure and authoritarianism of right-wing ideologies, LiveScience reports. Social conservatives were defined as people who agreed with statements like "Give law breakers stiffer sentences" and "Schools should teach children to obey authority." More»

'Silent Strokes' May Damage Memory

About 25% of seniors have had them

(NEWSER) - "Silent strokes" may be taking a toll on seniors' memory. A new study shows that seniors who have suffered such strokes—they don't have obvious symptoms but leave behind dead brain cells—do worse on memory tests, reports USA Today . It's no small thing: An estimated 1 in 4 seniors have had the strokes. More»

Anti-Mormonism Is the New Racism

But it's harder for us to recognize, denounce: William Saletan

(NEWSER) - There was quite an uproar when word got out about Rick Perry’s racist hunting camp name —Perry himself acknowledged that it was “offensive” and, thus, was painted over. But neither Perry nor Herman Cain, who was quick to denounce the camp name, worked up quite the same fervor just a week later when a pastor backing Perry called Mormonism a “cult.” “The gap between these two episodes—clear condemnations of racism, but silence and ambiguity about anti-Mormonism—illustrates a fundamental weakness in our understanding of bigotry,” writes William Saletan in Slate . “We’re always fighting the last war." More»

How to Live to 100: Learn to Bounce Back

Those who adapt to stress live longer, writes geriatrics expert

(NEWSER) - Dr. Mark Lachs is an expert on geriatrics, and his oldest patient is 109. Not only is she 109, but she still lives at home—"with all her marbles," he writes—and enjoys chocolate truffles and Budweiser. What's her secret? "Adaptive competence," which Lachs defines as "the ability to bounce back from stress." Not just biological stress but, in his opinion and the opinion of other geriatrics experts, psychological stress as well. More»

What Age Are We Happiest?

In our 80s, research shows

(NEWSER) - Wait a second before you buy that "over the hill" cake for your buddy's 40th birthday: Research shows that satisfaction and optimism actually increase after we reach middle age, and peak as late as our 80s. Why? Responsibilities ease, maturity increases, and we are often able to focus on doing the things we enjoy. Of course, it helps to be in good health, have a stable income, and enjoy good relationships with friends and family when we hit old age, the Telegraph notes. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Aging Brains Can't Fend Off Stereotypes