Abstract 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)."
Tags: health, fitness, attitude, life, span, dependant, care
Abstract This paper contends that ageism is a mental construct--a way of thinking about age that affects almost everybody because ageist beliefs and prejudices are so widespread in American society. It looks at how negative stereotypes and beliefs about older people form the basis of ageism, and how there are several theories about why these ageist attitudes develop.
From the Paper "The importance of avoiding signs of age is underlined by the fact that youthfulness is a major incentive to sell products; thus, all of us are surrounded every day on all sides with media messages about the need to stay young. To make matters worse for the older person, Elwood (1972) points out that hiding old age is difficult (and at some point, impossible). Canes, hearing aids, and walkers as well as sagging, wrinkled skin, make old people very visible, and many younger people view these signs of advanced age with repugnance. It is probably fair to say, however, that no matter how old they look, people do not lose their feelings or become less sensitive to rejection, insults, and hurtful attitudes toward age. "
Abstract This paper discusses how being elderly and gay in Toronto is not a positive experience. The paper explains that the experience is much the same for elderly gays in all cities and that elderly gay men are cut off from younger gay men and also from society. The paper points out that gays and lesbians in Canada have their own gay village right in the downtown area of Toronto and that this area is also known as the gay ghetto. The paper then looks at how the experience of elderly gay people is even worse than the discrimination that results from homophobia and it all has to do with ageism, which puts elderly gay men into yet another ghetto. In conclusion, the paper shows that elderly gay men are also faced with the issues of homophobia and ageism and the process of growing old in Toronto does not seem to have any advantages.
Outline:
The Gay Ghetto
Older Gays, Ageism, and Social Isolation
Other Problems of Elderly Gay Men
Conclusion
From the Paper "Gays are mainly found in two areas of Toronto. The first is the Gay Village; the center of that village is Church and Wellesley Streets. The Gay Village is a symbol of exclusion or how gays and lesbians are separate from general Toronto society. Homophobia still exists very strongly, and gays and lesbians are still struggling for equality with the rest of society. In the village, gays and lesbians found "an urban neighborhood that is populated by, and reasonably tolerates, a large number of queers" (Editorial 1). They accomplished something remarkable with the rundown urban neighborhood when they rented apartments that other people rejected and opened businesses where no one else would consider doing so."
Abstract This report looks at the general issue of age discrimination in the workplace, focusing more specifically on ageism as it applies to older individuals between the ages of forty and seventy. This issue is looked at in terms of existing studies on the issue and how it is being dealt with in a programmatic manner by organizations. That is, this report does not just look at the problem of age discrimination in the workplace, but also explores existing literature for solution based measures that can be used to advocate and recommend change. The report then goes on to make these recommendations, including the recommendation that organizations install programs that are respective of employee diversity to help educate people about the perils of ageism as it exists as a problem in our society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Discussion of Findings
Recommendations
Conclusions
From the Paper "It is the main finding of the current report that in most cases, age discrimination in the workplace can be directly related to ageism in the society. Ageism is a type of prejudice that is leveled against people because of the sole feature of their age rather than about getting to know the person as a complex human being. Often when they have prejudiced attitudes, people will determine that everyone in a certain group defined oftenby physical characteristics is going to act the same way. One source of ageist attitudes therefore is prejudice against the older individuals in society. Prejudice against older individuals through ageism may manifest itself in a relatively harmless way or a way that actually harms the older individual, and this is a good reason that these stereotypes should be eliminated."
Abstract This paper explores what it means to grow old in today's often uncompassionate society. It discusses the perception that aging is not only seen as being "one step closer to death", but it is traditionally associated with images of physical illness, senility and helplessness and shows ,in contrast, that the elderly are a vastly diverse group of individuals that cannot be so easily classified. It provides a brief history of the science of aging and of the stereotypes that have contributed to the attitude of ageism in society today. It examines how the older population is forever expanding, its economic and political bases are becoming stronger and its technological sophistication is growing at a remarkably swift pace and how the images most of society holds of the senior sect have not evolved at the same rate.
From the Paper "For example, recent studies have shown that changes in mental abilities of older people vary as much as their physical abilities and that mental decline is not inevitable. Learning a new language in later life, for example, might require more effort, but on the other hand the older language learner may be perfectly capable of exerting that effort. Studies also show that physical activity, along with a strong social support system and a belief in one's ability to handle what life has to offer, can all make significant contributions to strong mental function in old age (Matcha, 1996)."
Abstract This paper explores the history of discrimination against the elderly, known as ageism. It discusses how Maggie Kuhn became an activist and created the Senior Rights' Organization named the 'Gray Panthers'. The author expands on the aims of this organization to bring about awareness, better social welfare and legislation for equal opportunities within the job arena.
From the Paper "It appears that some policies deliberately exclude or segregate certain minority groups like African-American, and so on, and women and the elderly are also considered to be among the minority group of oppressed citizens. (Continuum on becoming an anti-racist multi-cultural institution) However, not everywhere is there discrimination against the ageing population; in fact, the policy named 'Culturally Appropriate Aged Care', supports the various 'Access and Equity Policies', which make sure that the elderly population of Australia, irrespective of their cultural or racial or linguistic backgrounds, would have an equal amount of 'culturally appropriate aged care', and since the implementation of this program would require that languages other than English would have to be used, this is also taken care of, and this means that the policy would benefit not only those people form indigenous communities, but also immigrants from non-English speaking countries."
Abstract This paper stresses that, in order to make an appropriate decision about the circumstances of a services user, it is important to address issues regarding factors which may impact on the work done. The author points out the issue of ageism, especially the significance that must be given not only to the primary service user, in this case Jack, but also to any relevant secondary service users, such as Jack's daughter and the involved neighbor. The paper discusses four levels of participation available to service users: (1) being told of the decisions made but with no input from the service user, (2) being consulted but without self-determination, (3) partnership with both parties having an equal distribution of decision-making power and (4) control by the user, with the social worker taking a supportive rather than influencing role.
From the Paper "Distortion to the decision frame could be created by less than accurate information or bias by the person constructing the frame. If a social worker had particularly strong views that people over sixty five years of age belonged in a care home, then that may become the only option in that box. Therefore it is of vital importance that social workers are fully aware of their own values and ethics as well as the values held by the agency that they work with, as bias can occur at any level in professional practice."
Abstract In this article the writer looks at the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) that was formulated in 1967 primarily to protect older people from discrimination in the workplace. This encompasses discrimination that may occur in hiring, training, promoting, benefits, and provision of responsibilities. The writer first presents the situation of older employees in the US and includes a discussion of how the situation was prior to the existence of the AEDA. The writer then shows specific strategies or techniques that may address current problems relating to older employees. Additionally, the writer looks at the implication for social workers as well as solutions that can address existing issues which are relevant to older employees. The writer concludes that in practical, economical terms, it is more beneficial if the older working force is not overlooked and mentions training programs and opportunities where a social worker can contribute to the employment of an older person.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Aging Society and Ageism Age Discrimination Today
Resolutions
From the Paper "Furthermore, older employees were found to be more difficult to work with. This is because they tend to have negative job behaviors. Instead of attempting to remedy this negative behavior through a discussion, employees found it easier to replace these older workers. Moreover, older workers were found to be less suited for further training and promotion because they posed more of a financial risk than an asset.
"Prior to the existence of the ADEA, age discrimination have been rationalized and justified. Some of these have been related to an older person's cognitive, physical skill, and decision making activities. It is a statistical fact that as a person becomes older, he may suffer from more disabilities compared to a younger person. This disability may limit his ability to work. Disability rates dramatically increase by the time a person reaches 40 years old."
Abstract This paper deals with the subject of elderly abuse and attempts to make the connection between elder abuse and family violence. The author explains that elder abuse is becoming more and more recognized as a form of family violence, and describes the different types of abuse, analyzing the connection between elder abuse and family violence. The author also uses the Ageism concept to explain elder abuse in broad context, to explain how society's distorted view on the elderly affect care-givers likeliness to abuse their elderly family members.
Outline:
Introduction
Purpose
Rationale
Key Concepts Related to Elder Abuse
What is Elderly Abuse?
Elder Abuse as a Form of Family Violence
Analysis:
The Situation Model
Social Exchange Theory
Ageism Practice Interventions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Elder abuse is a growing social concern in Western society, but it is not a new phenomenon. Mistreatment of older people both in the community and within institutions has been an enduring feature of our social history. Many older Canadians have suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of family members and caregivers for many years, without the support and resources they needed to leave their abusive situations. Recently, practitioners have been displaying a growing awareness and concern about elder abuse, putting a new perspective to this type of family violence (Pillemer & Wolf, 1986: 169). Like other types of domestic violence, elder abuse is extremely complex. It is a combination of many factors, from psychological to economic as well as the mental and physical conditions of the victim and the abuser. These factors do not usually operate in isolation. Instead, they tend to function as complex dimensions, interacting in ways uniquely dependent on the victim, perpetrator and the situation (Steinmetz, 1988: 23)
Moreover, research shows that estimates of abuse are difficult to make, although in Canada it is often said to affect at least four percent of seniors (Kinnon, 2001: 6).
"In addition, explanations about why abuse occurs under different theoretical frameworks make it difficult to pin-point the direct connection between the dynamics of elder abuse and family violence. Many elder abuse cases fit the paradigm of family violence; that is, acts of abuse or misuse of power that may result in harm to a family member (Pillemer & Suitor, 1992: 170). However, not all cases involve spouses or family members. Practitioners stress the need to understand the entire range of elder abuse and the underlying causes- including self-neglect, abuse and neglect within the family, and abuse that occurs in institutional settings (Prevention Pathways, 2004: 12)."
Abstract This paper discussed the different types of prejudice and discrimination found in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible": . Race, gender, age, religion and class are some of the characteristics that the author finds as targets of discrimination.
From the Paper "An example of prejudice used in The Crucible is ageism. The assembly of girls, Betty Parris, Abigail Williams, Marry Warren, and Ruth Putnam, who initiated the chain of events resulting in the trial, were victims of this prejudice. Because of their youth, their first alibi of innocent dancing was accepted, showing that this case of prejudice worked to their advantage. After caught dancing by her uncle Reverend Parris, Abigail stated, ?Uncle, we did dance; let you tell them I confessed it "and I"ll be whipped if I must be. But they"re speakin" of witchcraft.?(p. 9) Rebecca Nurse was also a sufferer of ageism. Many believed the accusation that she was a witch partly because she is older and seemed less credible. Rebecca served as a midwife for families in the town and was convicted of murder of the Putnam babies."
From the Paper "This literature review addresses several issues related to the study of aging. Theoretical perspectives, research methods, and current controversies are reviewed.
One issue that has beset the development of research on aging is a definition of old age (Scanzoni & Scanzoni, 1988, p. 549). Research in the United Kingdom and the United States has found that the older a person is in a chronological sense, the later is the chronological age at which that person tends to think old age begins. The concept of old age also is affected by social stratum: lower-status persons, as an example tend to think that old age begins in the fifties, while higher-status persons tend to think that old age begins around age 65."
Abstract The paper shows that lookism is a rampant problem in the workplace and indeed everywhere we go. It is just one more example of the many ugly faces of prejudice that society buys into, whether it be racism, sexism or ageism. The paper discusses the media's role in lookism, the problems faced by people who don't look as society expects them to look and what is being done to counter this serious form of prejudice.
From the Paper "Lookism is the ugly prejudice that judges people on their physical beauty instead of their ability. This happens everywhere: in the office, on the street, in the media and in virtually every aspect of our lives. The media fully perpetuates this myth that beauty is more important than anything else, that skinny women are more beautiful than overweight women, and that beautiful skin, hair and teeth make a person better than the one that is considered plain."
This paper is an overview of the phenomenon of suicide among the elderly: Statistics, demographics, special problems of aged, social aspects, ageism and poverty.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 32 sources, 1991, $ 95.95
From the Paper "This research provides an overview of the phenomenon of suicide among the elderly. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this research is defining the term elderly, for, as the American population ages, the perception of who is old appears to be in almost continual adjustment. Both The Merriam-Webster Third New International Dictionary, and The Random House Dictionary say that elderly is somewhat old. Websters adds that elderly is beyond middle-age; however, it defines middle-age simply as past youth and before old age. Random House is somewhat more definite on middle-age, defining it as that period of human life from about 40 years old to about 60 years old. The Social Security Administration generally establishes 65 years old as the criterion for old-age; however, if one is willing to accept a ... "
From the Paper "Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to examine the literature on depression and suicide in elderly populations. To this end, the review defines depression and discusses contributive factors that can lead to suicide. Incidence rates are reported and treatment interventions are discussed.
Depression and Suicide in Elderly Populations
Dworetzky (1985) defines depression as:
A feeling of sadness and sometimes total apathy. Guilt or inability to cope with problems, frustrations, or conflict is often behind depression. It may be influenced by chemical imbalances in the brain as well. (p.470)
In DSM III (1980), the American Psychiatric Association..."
From the Paper "This paper will be concerned with discrimination in the workplace. Work discrimination can take the form of sexism, racism, ageism, or prejudice against gays. The threat of AIDS has caused an increase in anti-gay discrimination in recent years. Nevertheless, progress has also been made toward the elimination of job discrimination in all its forms.
Sexism is one of the most visible forms of discrimination in the workplace. many organizations are aware of this fact and thus try to seek solutions to the problem. Unfortunately, these efforts are often less than successful. For example, although the financial firms on Wall Street have established a recent campaign to "curb office sexism," the professional women who work in that environment must face "subtle discrimination" every day (Cohen, Power & Siconolfi, 1991, p. Al). In this regard, the ..."
