We Are What We See: Depictions of aging across creative mediums

Abstract

Creativity represents perhaps the most inherently human characteristic, and its presence within artistic media not only allows for individual expression, but also creates an opportunity to analyze the broader sociocultural consciousness across time and space. Within this context, depictions of aging across each medium allows geriatric mental health providers an opportunity to understand the broader social consciousness and both positive and negative biases inherent within depictions of older adults. Once identified these themes serve to guide the clinician in developing both an understanding of age-related sociocultural stressors and a clinical framework within which psychotherapeutic interventions might be couched.Depictions of older adults and concepts of age may be analyzed across visual media of painting and photography, with particular focus spanning historic eras of artistic enterprise. By examining visual portrayals of aging, many of which were created hundreds or even thousands of years ago, the depiction of older people may be brought to light as a fluid experience, changing over time but often remaining static with regard to its core themes. Specific examples of this will include, but are not limited to, Bernardo Strozzi's Vanitas (The Old Coquette), Rembrandt's self-portraits across his life, and the Mae West series by Diane Arbus.Traditional presentation of older adults and concepts of age may be further analyzed across visual media of television and film, and these creative depictions allow for a more nuanced appreciation of cultural factors implicit to aging. Specific examples of this will include examination of comedic portrayals in film such as Grumpy Old Men (2009) or Harold and Maude (1971) alongside dramatic discussions of issues surrounding longevity and issues of aging such as Cocoon (1985), Tuesdays with Morrie (1999), or On Golden Pond (1981). Similar parallels may also be found in the small screen and include such television series as This is Us, Grace & Frankie, and Golden Girls, alongside countless exemplar scenes within other series and films.Notably, depictions of aging within music incorporate not only the artist's own conceptions surrounding aging, but uniquely serve as a projective opportunity for the listener's individual biases and opinions. Without the direct visual cues of other creative mediums, such depictions may be open to a greater degree of interpretation. In numerous examples these represent negative depictions highlighting isolation (Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby), feebleness (Elvis Costello's Veronica), and unattractiveness (Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell's Back When We Were Beautiful). However there are celebrations of age in a relative minority of cases, including Sophie Tucker's Life Begins at Forty and Rod Stewart's Forever Young. Taken further, dance, perhaps more than any other modality highlights the inherent ageism which exists not just in the depiction and consumption of creative media, but poses a unique challenge when facing limitations imposed on the author-creator themselves.Ultimately, through analysis of the stereotypical themes depicting aging across creative mediums, a geriatric psychiatrist can be uniquely positioned to appreciate the consequences these depictions may have on older adults, but positive and negative. By recognizing these influences, psychotherapeutically supported treatment planning may serve to highlight the positive roles which exist and potential opportunities for incorporation into principles of successful aging.