Understanding Ageism

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary definition of life expectancy?

The health outcomes of older adults

The demographic characteristics of a population

The maximum age reached by individuals in a population

The average number of years that members of a population live (correct)

Which of the following is NOT one of the six major types of social determinants of health?

Education

Economic Stability

Social Environment

Mental Health (correct)

What demographic factors are included in the definition of demographics?

Geographic location and education level

Income and health status

Age and gender (correct)

Occupational status and marital status

What is the role of social determinants of health in relation to health outcomes?

They influence health outcomes through nonmedical factors Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about lifespan is true?

Lifespan refers to the oldest age reached by an individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is ageism defined as?

Prejudice or discrimination against an age group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common negative stereotype about older adults?

They are often depressed and lonely Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of older adults are institutionalized due to mental disorders?

3% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a positive belief about most older adults?

They are dependent Signup and view all the answers

How does belief in negative stereotypes affect older individuals, according to Nelson (2016)?

Decreases their will to live Signup and view all the answers

What common myth about the elderly is contradicted by statistics indicating most remain sexually active?

They are no longer sexually active Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the negative effects of ageism on physical well-being mentioned in the content?

Increased cardiovascular reactivity to stress Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes ageism's societal acceptance?

It is often seen as a justifiable prejudice based on age. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults aged 75 and up are estimated to have a chronic condition?

90% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an abnormal factor of aging?

Getting lost Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory impairment is considered a normal part of aging?

Age-associated memory impairment Signup and view all the answers

What structural change occurs in the brain due to dementia?

Cell shrinkage and death Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is accurate regarding the chemical changes in the brain affected by dementia?

They can vary, sometimes leading to unexpected chemical rushes. Signup and view all the answers

How many people over age 60 are estimated to live with dementia at some point in their lives?

5 to 8% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common conditions seen in older women compared to older men?

Higher likelihood of chronic conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates a need for health maintenance in aging?

Pacing oneself during activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of economic stability as a social determinant of health?

Employment opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of education as a social determinant of health?

Literacy and vocational training Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of aging includes individuals aged 75-84?

Middle-old Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes is NOT impacted by social determinants of health?

Quality of education Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of ageism?

Prejudice and discrimination based on age Signup and view all the answers

In the aging process, which term is used for individuals aged 100 and above?

Centenarians Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is part of the physical environment as a social determinant of health?

Safety and security of neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

What is a common public misconception related to the older adults and aging?

Older adults are always in poor health Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of therapeutic recreation?

Providing opportunities for meaningful recreation and leisure Signup and view all the answers

Which domains of health does therapeutic recreation aim to improve?

Physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the poster assignment's Part 1 requirements?

Research determinants of health affecting older adults Signup and view all the answers

What should the poster's introduction briefly overview?

The importance of understanding determinants of health in aging populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of therapeutic recreation staff in relation to individuals with cognitive impairment?

To provide creative and engaging recreational opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT required in the poster design?

Summary of a clinical trial related to aging Signup and view all the answers

What method is recommended for summarizing the findings of the chosen determinants?

Infographics, charts, or diagrams Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential final component of the poster assignment?

Proper citations using APA 7th edition Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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.

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Description

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.