Ageism: The Role Of Discrimination In Healthcare

Aging is a summary term of complex biological processes that occurs over the course of life. As an individual age’s, they experience a cognitive, functional and social decline that affects their activities of daily living and general health. As a result of these changes, the older population becomes more susceptible to a variety of illnesses. However, nurses can lessen the severity of these aging related illnesses by teaching and providing the best care for their clients in order to decrease the number of elders that suffer from these diseases through a variety of interventions and strategies. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the nurses’ role in promoting healthy aging in the older population, by addressing a significant issue that impairs the health of many older Canadian adults.

Ageism is a form of discrimination most commonly experienced by the elderly, and because of that, it is unjustly overlooked. It may not capture the same level of universal attention as other forms of discrimination, such as racism or sexism, but it is a social injustice all the same. The elderly population is stereotyped and discriminated against on the basis of their age in almost all aspects of life. They are discriminated against in the workforce, in the healthcare system, in their societal status, and sometimes even in their own families. This goes to show that elderly ageism is a social injustice because the elderly are notably prone to this kind of abuse. They can’t necessarily change work or healthcare policies so they have no choice but to defend themselves as best as they can, if they can. As life expectancies grow, the elderly population grows with it, and so too does the discrimination against them. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on this social injustice by describing the different ways elders encounter ageism, the stereotypes against elderly, the changes that have to be made against this injustice, and how trained nurses can help to make those changes happen.

Ageism and stereotypes of older people can have an important impact on their physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing. Negative stereotypes of older people being dependent and decrepit can be internalized and become self-fulfilling. These ageist thoughts and stereotypes can lead to older people not seeking health care in general and to not get treatment appropriate for their illness or medical condition due to their age and not based on any other factor.

Experience working in the field of health care lends insight to the growing needs of the older adult population, and the barriers which impede our capacity to meet them. As the Baby Boomer age is approaching older adulthood, the rise for financial,

I have identified the aging population (greater than 55 years of age) in Chatham/Kent, Ontario (in a community I am familiar and work within); a population on the rise and with minimal government and Ministry of Health support that enables seniors to maintain quality of life,

“The national attitude toward old people has made a 180-degree turn” in recent years (p. 86). This is an indicator that society now recognizes their value. Additionally, society now has ample data to support that with improved technology and pharmaceuticals

Heise says that with this large number of elderly taking up the population there will be a shortage of doctors due to the idea that society has done a poor job of valuing the elderly. She says that negative or neutral attitudes towards the elderly are common in this youth oriented society because the youth of today lack interest and caring of other individuals including the elderly (Heise et al). This type of attitude prevents the care that is needed for those who will take care of people as doctors in the United States; therefore, the second cause of the doctor shortage is in fact lack of care. In fact according to a study because of the lack of interest in one year only 75 residents entered the geriatrics field. The study shows that if this rate continues the number of needed specialist in geriatrics will rise to approximately 1,200 per year (Fried). The absence of caring in Millennials and Zers will ultimately create a gap in the care system which will be nearly impossible to recover.

According to Statistics Canada, aging population has steadily increased since the mid-1960. The age of 65 and older comprised 15.7% of the country’s population. Promoting health in these aging population is very crucial to minimise the severity of health complications that might occur in the long run. Gerontological Nursing involves the care of aging people and emphasize the promotion of the highest possible quality of life and wellness throughout the lifespan (Eliopoulos, c2014 p73). Aging people need Gerontological Nurses who are knowledgeable and willing to promote health and optimum quality of life with the consideration of their core needs such as physiological balance, connection and gratification (Eliopoulos, c2014 p78).

4. Older adults face a lot of change due to the fact that some are unable to do a lot of things they are used to. Due to this loss of ability and freedom, ethical and legal issues arise. One problem the elderly population face is Ageism. In the book Global Health Care: Issues and Policies, by Carol Holtz, ageism is defined as “a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old (Holtz, 2013).” Ageism can cause abuse, neglect, isolation, and a lack of listening or respect towards the elderly population. Elder abuse is a tremendous problem that is seen throughout many area of the world. In fact, in the U.S. 550,000 elderly individuals experience abuse in a variety of settings. Although there are many laws

While the “Greatest Generation” is a title often given to those Americans who lived and died during the era of the Great Depression and World War II, their offspring, the “Baby Boom” generation, significantly shaped and improved the American landscape as well if for no greater reason than the sheer number of people who make up this population (Steinhorn, 2006). Today, based predominantly on that very same reason, the baby boomer population is now making a very different, yet equally as profound impact on American society. More

It is important to understand that patients have been experiencing aging bias for a very long time. It is also evident in the medical profession as well, and one needs to do more to ensure that everyone is treated fairly especially the elderly patients. The elderly patients need to treat with the utmost respect and dignity. One needs to understand that the elderly are the ones who pave the way for the younger generation. Therefore, it is important that one takes the time out of their busy assignments to listen to what the older patients have to say and respond to them in an appropriate manner. This paper will discuss how aging has impact one nursing practice, aging bias that one has witnessed during their nursing practice, and a community plan to discuss aging bias.

For the elderly population is at risk of being affected by the health care crisis that currently exist in the United States in the near future. Many individuals have conflicting views on how resources should be allocated to this population, but as health care workers we should advocate for the best interest of this population. Resources should not be allocated in a certain way based on a human being age. The article, Paying the Price: The Pressing Need for Quality, Cost, and

With the population of adults 65 and over steadily climbing, medical professionals and the healthcare system are struggling to keep up. One major issue concerning the healthcare system is that it is not set up properly provide care for these older adults. The physicians today, who regularly see patients, focus mainly has been; diagnose—usually in a 15-20 minute office visit, treat, and cure. Many of these senior citizens have multiple chronic illnesses or diseases, which require time to manage and treat. The problem is that they may not be able to explain what the real problem to a doctor in that time.

Discrimination against older workers is one of the forbidden grounds of discrimination in the labour market across Canada. Age discrimination affects an older adult’s career, advancements, opportunities, and privileges in the labour market. Furthermore, older adults tend to be marginalized, institutionalized, and stripped of responsibility, power, and their dignity (Nelson 208). The Canadian population is aging rapidly and that changes in the population age structure have led to considerable discussion of ageism and social policies like mandatory retirement and old age security. Employers continue to have negative attitudes and stigma toward older workers (Klassen and Gillin 36). Social policy like mandatory retirement is the leading form

One of the greatest challenges of the twenty first century will be the tremendous increase in the number of older adults throughout the world. Elderly people are the most rapidly increasing age group in Canada. In 2000 there was about 3.8 million Canadians were 65 years older. Statistics of Canada projects that by 2021, it will get doubled (Hick S., 2010, p.270). It is sure that this demographic trend will affect most part of our society, especially the health care needs and the delivery of health services. There will be a huge increase in the issues that affect the older Canadians. It is important that future health care professionals especially the social Service workers should be prepared to meet the needs of the increasing aging population across the globe. This paper examines the main problems faced by senior population in Canada, the different social work theories related to ageism and the different roles, values, knowledge and responsibilities needed for gerontological social work practice.