WASHINGTON, July 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ways in which negative attitudes about aging can affect people's health and quality of life are the focus of 12 peer-reviewed research papers in a new supplemental issue of The Gerontologist — the respected research and analysis journal published by The Gerontological Society of America since 1961.

While the research papers examine a diverse range of aging-related subjects and research considerations, a common theme is the prevalence of negative associations about aging and their impact, ranging from memory performance to use of health care, AARP said. The research explores cultural, geographic, community, and family influences that may play a role in shaping an individual's attitude on aging.

"Attitudes and stereotypes about aging haven't changed with the times or have gotten worse," AARP Director of Thought Leadership-Health Erwin Tan, MD said. "Too often, the way aging is portrayed in the media or even in conversations among families and friends is negative and out of synch with the lives many older people lead."

"Wherever these negative perceptions come from, the damage can be profound — for individuals, communities, and larger populations," said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, whose book Disrupt Aging examines how aging is represented in society. "We need to change the conversation about age and aging in this country. This is not about being 'polite,' it's a necessity. "

In addition to elevating a collection of timely and insightful research, the August supplement to The Gerontologist has a broader goal, Jenkins said. "We seek to enlist the aid of gerontologists in helping to change the conversation about what it means to grow older. Additionally, we want to remind gerontologists of the critical role they play, not just in academia, but in people's real lives. We are all aging, every day so there is no more mainstream topic than aging," she said.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

SOURCE AARP