Which of the following is a common stereotype about older adults according to psychological perspectives on aging?

• A. Older adults are typically viewed as highly impulsive and risk-seeking.
• B. Older adults are often perceived as less capable of learning new skills.
• C. Older adults are generally considered to have the fastest physical reaction times.
• D. Older adults are commonly seen as the most technologically advanced age group.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a stereotype is in the context of psychology. A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or group.
2. Step 2: Consider common psychological perspectives on aging, which often include assumptions about cognitive and physical changes in older adults.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option by comparing it to typical stereotypes about older adults. For example, older adults are often stereotyped as having slower learning abilities rather than being impulsive or risk-seeking.
4. Step 4: Recognize that stereotypes about older adults usually involve perceptions of decreased cognitive flexibility, such as being less capable of learning new skills, rather than enhanced physical reaction times or technological expertise.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the stereotype 'Older adults are often perceived as less capable of learning new skills' aligns with common psychological stereotypes about aging.