Becca Levy's article explores the concept of stereotype embodiment in aging, proposing that age stereotypes internalized over a lifetime influence individuals' self-definitions, which in turn affect their functioning and health. The theory suggests that stereotypes become internalized, operate unconsciously, gain salience from self-relevance, and utilize multiple pathways. The aging process is viewed as a social construct rather than purely physiological. Research indicates that positive age stereotypes can lead to better health outcomes, while negative stereotypes can have detrimental effects. Studies show that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging tend to have better health and live longer. Negative age stereotypes, on the other hand, are associated with worse health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular events. The effects of age stereotypes can be unconscious, as demonstrated by subliminal priming experiments. These experiments show that exposure to age stereotypes can influence behavior, such as handwriting and willingness to undergo medical interventions. The salience of age stereotypes increases as individuals recognize themselves as old, leading to self-relevance. Age stereotypes can also affect physiological responses, such as cardiovascular stress. The article highlights the importance of understanding and addressing negative age stereotypes to improve the health and well-being of older individuals. Future research is needed to explore the broader implications of stereotype embodiment across different groups and to develop interventions that promote positive age stereotypes.Becca Levy's article explores the concept of stereotype embodiment in aging, proposing that age stereotypes internalized over a lifetime influence individuals' self-definitions, which in turn affect their functioning and health. The theory suggests that stereotypes become internalized, operate unconsciously, gain salience from self-relevance, and utilize multiple pathways. The aging process is viewed as a social construct rather than purely physiological. Research indicates that positive age stereotypes can lead to better health outcomes, while negative stereotypes can have detrimental effects. Studies show that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging tend to have better health and live longer. Negative age stereotypes, on the other hand, are associated with worse health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular events. The effects of age stereotypes can be unconscious, as demonstrated by subliminal priming experiments. These experiments show that exposure to age stereotypes can influence behavior, such as handwriting and willingness to undergo medical interventions. The salience of age stereotypes increases as individuals recognize themselves as old, leading to self-relevance. Age stereotypes can also affect physiological responses, such as cardiovascular stress. The article highlights the importance of understanding and addressing negative age stereotypes to improve the health and well-being of older individuals. Future research is needed to explore the broader implications of stereotype embodiment across different groups and to develop interventions that promote positive age stereotypes.