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Abstract

In this paper I discuss the representations of older adults, by analyzing visual and linguistic images to identify predominant ideas present in the social imaginary about old age. I hold the assumption that images are devices that carry meaning, that, altogether with environmental factors in urban settings, cause misinformation, reinforce stereotypes and, in the worst case, generate instances of age discrimination towards this population group. I analyze linguistic and visual images, the latter from the perspective of visual communication design, incorporating classic references in painting, literature, and popular culture about representations of the body and the objects associated with aging. The study concludes with a discussion about the urgency to change the representations about old age and aging, for more diverse and positive ones, which will be possible to the extent that more informed and critical interdisciplinary work is generated.