Biological ageism
Biological ageism (short: bio-ageism) is a distinct variant of ageism, which differs from traditional and chronological ageism by not involving any personal disdain, blaming, contemptuous attitudes or mistreatment of the elderly, but acknowledgement of their needs due to limited and declining physical and cognitive abilities.
At the same time, biological ageism acknowledges the value in the accumulated knowledge and wisdom in individuals of higher chronological ages, while traditional ageism entirely views the elderly as a burden and outdated beings.
Biological ageism does not judge people's capabilities from stereotypes, but from empirical evidence.
While biological ageists usually have positive and constructive intentions, some individuals targeted by biological ageism might feel offended due to a confirmation of their declining physical substance.
Example[edit]
If hypothetically, for instance, an imaginary person born 400 years ago (chronological age) were to be biologically and physically as healthy as a person momentarily at age 20, unlike chronological ageism, biological ageism would not discriminate against the former.
Implications[edit]
Female attractiveness[edit]
Biological ageism is the reason why young adult women (around age 20) are seen as the most attractive, both due to sufficient maturity for procreation, and most remaining fertile years.
Attractiveness in females declines significantly after the reproductive years for this reason.
References[edit]
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