06/09/2009 - Articles
What is Ageism, and How Should We Combat it?
By: Robert W. Griffith, MD
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We are constantly being warned of the risks of racial or ethnic prejudice, but not all of us are even aware of 'ageism'. Here's a primer...
Ageism is defined as prejudice against older people. It's pretty widespread, in its various forms. Ageism implies that as soon as a person can be described as old they are automatically considered:
- Of little value
- A burden on society
- Slow to accept change
- Unable to look after themselves
- Slow, deaf or stupid
- Child-like or sweet
This can lead to a vicious circle of dependence, along the following lines :
We can all combat this negative spiral, which drives the older person into total dependence, if we:
- Realize that older people are part of the cycle of life, and that they should not be 'compartmentalized'
- Ensure that health promotional efforts focus on healthy aging
- Give importance to the settings in which individuals age - these help determine their health status in old age
- Recognize gender differences in both health and ways of living
- Emphasize strategies that maintain bonding between generations
Source
The American Geriatrics Society's Syllabus on Aging
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Created on: 07/01/2002
Reviewed on: 06/09/2009
Reviewed on: 06/09/2009
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