Health Professionals and Ageism

Paper Summary:

The paper defines ageism as the process of thinking or believing in a negative manner about the process of becoming old or about old people. The paper explores how health professionals and the organizations in which they work are often criticized for holding ageist views which influence practice. The essay provides an analysis of the nature of ageism that exists in modern society, particularly the health care sector. The research concludes that some of the most important initiatives that can be implemented today, that may help overcome the impact of ageism in modern healthcare settings, is improved communication between practitioner and patient, and additional education for the public concerning the effects of aging.

From the Paper:

"What is known, though, is that many healthcare providers may not recognize the inherent physiological processes at play when they are attempting to develop effective clinical interventions for the elderly. In this regard, Nussbaum et al. advise, "If one recognizes that a slight increase in reaction time is common in conversations with elderly partners, the discomfort caused by such delays in conversation should be reduced" (p. 241). These authors also emphasize that improved communications with elderly patients can provide significantly improved clinical outcomes (Nussbaum et al., 2000)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andersson, L. 2002. Cultural Gerontology. Westport, CT: Auburn House.
• Butler, R. 1969. "Ageism: Another form of bigotry." The Gerontologist, 9, 243.
• Ebersole, P. and Hess, P. 1998. Toward Healthy Aging: Human Needs and Nursing Response. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
• Eder, P. F. 2004, May/June. "Business Tomorrow: Dealing with Uncertainty." Futurist, 38(3), p. 61.
• Giles, H., & Reid, S. A. 2005. "Ageism across the Lifespan: Towards a Self-Categorization Model of Ageing." Journal of Social Issues, 61(2), p. 389.

More papers on Health Professionals and Ageism:

• Term Paper # 141352 : "Foreign Health Professionals in Canada"
• Term Paper # 125797 : "Racism, Sexism and Ageism"
• Analytical Essay # 32302 : "Health Promotion and Environmental Health"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: