THE INTERSECTIONS OF AGING BELIEFS AND POLICY

Abstract Ample evidence and stereotype embodiment theory indicate that older adults’ internalized beliefs about aging are related to their health well-being over time. Aging constructed reinforced socioculturally, interpersonally, structurally, the latter of which includes federal, state, local policies. For instance, policies affect resource allocation for Older Americans Act programs, job security safeguarding from workplace age discrimination, access medical services or treatments, financial via tax retirement law. Heterogeneity in community organization-level public during first year COVID-19 pandemic also shaped were by aging. Further, acknowledge address ageism not only promote positive health, social, outcomes adults, but allow all benefit participation society. As a GSA policy intern, I tracked analyzed legislation is relevant optimal outcomes, identified implicit bias policy, framed recommendations beliefs. Effective collective action reduce ageism, facilitate intergenerational contact, ensure necessary have potential us as we age, directly, indirectly through