Understanding Ageism

Ageism

• Defined as prejudice or discrimination against or in favor of an age group.
• Can encompass both positive and negative stereotypes; tends to manifest more negatively.
• Acceptable forms of prejudice exist, targeting both the very young and the elderly.
• Distinction exists between negative stereotypes (exaggerated beliefs about older adults) and negative attitudes (feelings towards older adults).

Negative Myths of Aging

• Common beliefs include: elderly are often viewed as sick, poor, lonely, senile, isolated, and unengaged sexually.

Facts to Combat Myths

• Research indicates 85% of older adults are capable of performing basic daily activities; only 5% live in institutions.
• Many older adults over 65 maintain interest in and capability for sexual relationships.
• Retention of normal mental skills is prevalent; only 3% aged 50 and older are institutionalized for mental disorders.
• Older adults can perform work effectively, contributing positively to their communities.

Positive Beliefs

• Older adults are often perceived as kind, wise, dependable, affluent, free, and happy.

Impact of Ageism on Cognition and Well-Being

• Belief in negative stereotypes harms cognitive function, decreases life motivation, and reduces engagement in health-promoting behaviors.
• Impaired recovery from illness, increased cardiovascular stress, and decreased longevity are noted physical effects of ageism.

Prejudice in Long-Term Care

• Stereotypes and attitudes toward older adults vary significantly between long-term care and retirement homes.

Common Conditions Among Older Adults

• Less than 50% of 50-64 year-olds have chronic conditions, whereas 90% of those aged 75+ do.
• Chronic conditions are more prevalent in older women than men (83% vs. 88%).

Normal Factors of Aging

• Slowing down, slower recall, increased vulnerability to health issues, need for better health maintenance, and pacing for effective performance are typical in aging.

Abnormal Factors of Aging

• Signs indicating abnormal aging include personality changes, getting lost, judgment difficulties, and communication problems.

Dementia Overview

• 5-8% of individuals over 60 will experience dementia; symptoms worsen memory and self-care abilities.
• Stages of cognitive loss: age-associated memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia.

Brain Changes in Dementia

• Dementia involves both permanent structural and variable chemical changes in the brain. Symptoms can be inconsistent.

Social Determinants of Health

• Key determinants influencing older adult health: economic stability, physical environment, education, food access, social environment, and health care.
• Social determinants affect mortality, morbidity, life expectancy, health expenditures, health status, and functional limitations.

Stages of Aging

• Late adulthood ranges from mid-sixties to death, subdivided into: young-old (65-74), middle-old (75-84), oldest-old (85-99), and centenarians (100+).

Ending Ageism

• Ageism defined as systematic stereotyping against older individuals, affecting perception and self-view.
• Identifying supportive roles for individuals with cognitive impairments is key in combating ageism.

Therapeutic Recreation

• Focuses on enhancing well-being through meaningful leisure, addressing physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health needs.

Poster Assignment Overview

• Research social determinants of health affecting older adults; create an informative poster on two chosen determinants with data presentation and strategic recommendations, along with a spoken presentation of findings.

This quiz explores the concept of ageism as defined by Palmore (1999), examining the various forms of prejudice and discrimination based on age. It covers the stereotypes associated with different age groups and the impact of these beliefs on societal attitudes. Test your understanding of both positive and negative stereotypes related to age.