Viewers gravitate toward older actors

A new AARP survey, “Rewriting the Script: The Power of Age Diversity on Screen,” finds that most Americans see movies and television as shaping how society views aging. About 93% of adults regardless of age say they’re likely to watch films or shows with actors older than 50 in leading roles, and eight in 10 believe media influences perceptions of getting older. Roughly one in three adults reported that a movie or TV show made them feel more optimistic about aging. Younger viewers in particular were inspired by realistic representations of people their age. AARP says the findings highlight opportunities for Hollywood to embrace aging as a way to increase inclusivity.