Ageism Myths Stereotypes about Aging Defining Ageism Systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old similar to racism or sexism Ageism occurs when there is any prejudice or discrimination against or in favor of an age goup Defining Ageism Attitudinal Stereotypes and beliefs All elderly people are Defining Ageism Behavioral Discrimination Inappropriate negative treatment At some point we will all be vulnerable to the effects of ageism Theoretical Basis of Ageism Fear of death in western society Emphasis on the youth culture Emphasis on productivity Manner in which aging was originally researched Mostly studied people in nursing homes who were sick and helpless This gave a bias view to the elderly Problems with Ageism Prevents full participation in social networks Occupations Families Intersects with other systems of inequality Outcomes of Ageism Isolation from community Inadequate housing and income Unnecessary institutionalization Untreated mental and physical illness Problems go untreated because its normal because you are old New Ageism Tendency to help older adults because all older people must need help Ageism takes many forms Media Relationships Healthcare Workplace Ageism in the Media Images have improved over time but older adults remain underrepresented in films and TV Anti aging ads Pressure to hid signs of aging Justify ageism Gender and the Media Women appearance Men performance Ageism and Relationships Interactions with family members can be demoralizing to older adults Too much care promotes excessive dependence Often excuse patronizing behavior of family Examples of Medical Ageism Physicians and older patients Limited number of older patients Invests less time with older patients Older women s concerns trivialized Mental Health Perscription vs Therapy Geriatrics Poorly reimbursed Long term care Options and funding Ageism and Employment Age based employment discrimination More entrenched than any other types of discrimination Fastest growing form of complaints to equal employment opportunity commission Older people are perceived as slow Perceptions of Age Bias Ageism and Employment Negative stereotypes about aging productivity Older workers perceived as Disinterested in promotion Less flexible Expensive for organization Slow learners Strategies to Reduce Ageism Reducing individual ageism Slogans benefits of aging media personal contact and models of successful aging Changing social structures Economy family housing ex residential segregation Combating Ageism Challenge reluctant to cite ageism Focus on healthcare settings educate judges jurors on age discrimination Education Knowledge is power Combating Ageism Formal education continuing education Needs based vs age based programs Build intergenerational programs coalitions Ex mentoring programs
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