Agism Flashcards
UN Decade Action Ideas
1) Combatting Ageism
2) Age-friendly Environments
3) Integrated Care
4) Long Term Care
Why Study Aging and Older Adults?
A. To Challenge ,refute, and eliminate myths about aging and older people
B. To know thyself’ and others by examining personal journeys across the life course
C. To assist and support older family members as they move through the later stages of life
D. To prepare for a job or career in which the mandate is to address aging issues or to serve an older population
E. To enhance the quality and quantity of interaction with older people in your personal and professional life
F. To help Canada become a healthy and active older society
Ageing population effects
Healthy system will be affected, more strain
However, good for business, physical activity mindset with new generation
Ageism
Discrimination (altered treatment or behavior) based on
age or assumed age
Positive forms of Agism
Older people are wise
Agism misconception
It can be discrimination of younger people to older people and of courses the other way around.
Birthday cards about aging
Major Negative themes
Messages that propagate stereotypes
Life is essentially over, nothing left to look forward to
Not showing your age
Aging is not good, but things could be worse
Birthday cards about aging
Major Positive themes
Celebrating a special milestone
Things getting better with age
Age is a matter of mind
Covid 19 and Agism
Stereotyping Older Adults: They were often portrayed as universally frail and vulnerable, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Medical Deprioritization: In some regions, younger patients were prioritized over older adults for critical care, raising ethical concerns.
Increased Isolation: Social distancing measures intensified loneliness among older adults, especially in care facilities.
Workplace Discrimination: Older workers were more likely to face layoffs due to assumptions about adaptability.
Negative Media: COVID-19 was framed as an “old person’s disease,” devaluing older lives.
Benevolent Ageism: Well-meaning restrictions ignored older adults’ autonomy in decision-making.
What are some negative perceptions commonly associated with aging?
Aging is often equated with illness, losses, loneliness, asexuality, and poverty
How does ageism affect older adults?
Ageism creates social and self-imposed barriers to lifestyle choices, access, social acceptance, and self-esteem.
What is a damaging effect of ageist stereotypes according to Levy (2003)?
Individuals targeted by ageist stereotypes may start to believe that these stereotypes accurately describe them.
What are challenges in identifying and measuring personal experiences with ageism?
Challenges include the subjective nature of ageism, the internalization of stereotypes by individuals, and the difficulty in separating ageism from other forms of discrimination or personal biases.
What is the stereotype threat hypothesis in the context of aging?
It’s the idea that when an older adult fears their behavior will align with aging stereotypes, their performance may decrease due to fear or anxiety.
How does stereotype threat affect task performance in older adults?
Anxiety or fear of fitting into an aging stereotype (e.g., memory loss) can cause older adults to perform poorly on tasks, even if their abilities are not actually impaired.
Give an example of stereotype threat affecting performance.
A person anxious about memory loss with age may perform poorly on a cognitive test due to fear, even if their memory is functioning normally.
What is the comparison hypothesis in the context of aging stereotypes?
It suggests that when older adults do not apply negative stereotypes to themselves, they compare themselves to their peers and see themselves as doing better.
How does the comparison hypothesis affect an older adult’s self-esteem?
It prevents a decrease in self-esteem because older adults view themselves as different from those who fit negative aging stereotypes.
Comparison hypothesis: positive vs negative
High percentage of older people believe that they are better than their peers
Negative: may not a have a realistic view of the function
Positive : high self esteem
What is the externalization hypothesis in the context of aging stereotypes?
It refers to when older adults perceive their problems as “normal” or “expected” for their age, helping reduce emotional turmoil.
What is a positive impact of the externalization hypothesis on older adults?
It helps reduce the emotional distress associated with age-related losses.
What is a negative impact of the externalization hypothesis on older adults?
It may lead to lowered expectations of their abilities as they age, based on negative stereotypes.
What is the internalization hypothesis in the context of aging stereotypes?
It is when older adults apply stereotypes of aging they have held throughout their lives to themselves, making these stereotypes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What is a positive aspect of the internalization hypothesis?
Positive views about aging can be consistently applied throughout an older adult’s life.
What is a negative aspect of the internalization hypothesis?
Negative views about aging can be internalized, leading older adults to believe and act in accordance with these negative stereotypes.
Why is it important to understand ageism in the context of health?
Ageism can negatively impact one’s health, making awareness and understanding crucial for addressing its effects.
What is one way to address ageism in daily life?
Identify and address ageist behaviors and practices.
How can ageist policies in active living be challenged?
Question and advocate for changes to ageist policies to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities.
What is a strategy to make older adults feel valued?
Make active older adults visible and important in various social and community contexts.
How can older adults be more involved in community activities?
Involve them in planning and organizing recreational activities.
What role does education play in combating ageism?
Educate others and foster positive public attitudes towards aging and older adults.
How can promoting intergenerational activities help with ageism?
It encourages interaction and understanding between different age groups, reducing stereotypes and fostering mutual respect.
What is a personal approach to combat ageism?
Live as an example of best practices by demonstrating respectful and inclusive attitudes towards aging.
