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Ageism. What does that word mean? It is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s age. We see it in employment as older people may be looked over for advancement or even not be hired based on their age.
In a research study conducted in Europe the concept of ageism was studied. Researchers noted that some life sustaining treatments were significantly withheld more often from older adults.
Another study found that older adults were excluded from clinical trials even when the condition being studied happened more often in older adults.
Hannah Swift, Ph.D. in social and organizational psychology at the University of Kent (United Kingdom), noted that different levels of ageism exist. She noted that when one categorizes people, the person doing the categorizing may inject stereotypes, assumptions and expectations based on a person’s age and/or group and this is when serious problems in healthcare equity and access can occur.
Dr. Swift noted that some providers used patronizing language or offered unnecessary help to older patients based on false assumptions about patients’ cognitive and physical abilities.
Ittay Mannheim, Ph.D., post-doctoral researcher at the Open University of the Netherlands, noted that older age is often wrongly associated with declining levels of health and activity. However, older adults are a truly diverse group, varying widely in many aspects including health conditions. This stereotype can influence how healthcare providers interact with older adults. Some providers assume solely based on age that an older adult is frail or has memory issues. Being older does not necessarily mean illness or cognitive decline.
Studies have shown that age discrimination can impact the physical, mental and social well-being of people who are subjected to it.
Research has also shown that globally patients affected by ageism have significantly worse health outcomes across all countries. It was also determined that exposure to ageism affects a patient’s willingness to make changes in their lifestyle and thus increases one’s risk for cardiovascular events. Ageism also increased the incidence of depression in older people.
Certainly, as more healthcare providers receive state of the art training in geriatric medicine, the treatment of older adults, they will see that many older people live very independent lives.
If you are older, be aware and make sure your healthcare provider is not practicing ageism. Encourage your healthcare provider to see you as a vibrant person with all of your faculties.
It is also important to understand that people do not age at the same rate. A majority of older people do not have cognitive issues. You are not your illness; it is only a part of who you are. Continue to get maintenance examinations such as mammograms, bone density tests, PSAs and colorectal exams as one gets older. Make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations. Know your cholesterol, glucose and blood count numbers.
Advocate for instruction in lifestyle changes. Remain as active as you can physically and mentally for as long as you can. Remember, it is never too late to improve your health. Do not allow age to be an obstacle. Down with ageism.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
