Ageism Revolution and Human Longivity Beyond Age 100

Martin, Diane Blazejewski; Ijaz, Nadia; Kheirbek, Raya Elfadel

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-30915-1_1

Diane Blazejewski Martin⁵,
Nadia Ijaz⁶ &
Raya Elfadel Kheirbek⁶

Part of the book series: International Perspectives on Aging ((Int. Perspect. Aging,volume 36))

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Abstract

Ageism is a form of discrimination that is directed towards individuals or groups based on their age. It can take many forms including stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in the workplace, healthcare, and other areas of life. The causes of ageism are complex and multifaceted such as a lack of understanding or empathy for older adults, as well as societal and cultural attitudes that view aging as a negative process.

One of the key consequences of ageism is that it can lead to negative health outcomes for older adults. Ageism in healthcare can result in older patients receiving inadequate care or being ignored by medical professionals. It can lead to increased health care costs, as older adults may be perceived as ‘sicker’ and require more frequent and expensive medical treatment. In the workplace, ageism can lead to older workers being passed over for promotions or being forced to retire prematurely leading to a loss of productivity and a shortage of skilled workers. Additionally, ageism can lead to social isolation and loneliness for older adults, as they may be excluded from social activities and events. Older adults may require more support in the form of social services to maintain their independence. The cost of ageism is significant and can have a serious impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

It is important for individuals, organizations, and governments to work together to raise awareness about ageism and to take steps to combat it including policies and programs that promote age-inclusive workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities. Education and awareness campaigns can help to promote greater understanding and empathy for older adults to change societal attitudes about aging.

A process of systematic stereotyping or discrimination against people because they are old, just as racism and sexism accomplish with skin color and gender. Ageism allows the younger generations to see older people as different than themselves; thus, they subtly cease to identify with their older adults as human beings.

~Robert Butler, MD

1969

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Authors and Affiliations

Baltimore Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
Diane Blazejewski Martin
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Nadia Ijaz & Raya Elfadel Kheirbek

Authors

Diane Blazejewski Martin
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Nadia Ijaz
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Raya Elfadel Kheirbek
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Raya Elfadel Kheirbek .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Raya Elfadel Kheirbek
Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
Maria D. Llorente

Appendices

Additional Resources

Health Professional knowledge and attitudes toward older people (2017)
Assessing Medical Students’ Attitudes toward older adults (2018)
Ageism in mental health assessment and treatment of older adults (2018)
Ageism in medicine is a pressing problem (2019)
Ageism in home care quality and retention (2022)
Ageism among doctors and nurses (2021)
Measuring Ageism Based on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior: Findings from an Israeli Pilot Study (2016)
Global Report on Ageism: Executive Summary (2021)

Multiple Choice Questions

1.
Older adults who believe in negative stereotypes about ageism tend to:
1. (a)
  Internalize these stereotypes
2. (b)
  Project these stereotypes on others
3. (c)
  Do not care about these stereotypes
4. (d)
  Make fun of these stereotypes
  
  Correct answer: a
2.
Ageism became prevalent during which period in history?
1. (a)
  In the Middle Ages
2. (b)
  after the Classical Era
3. (c)
  during the Modern Era
4. (d)
  after the Industrial Revolution
  
  Correct answer: d
3.
Positive ageist attitudes lead to:
1. (a)
  lower retirement age
2. (b)
  social programs for aging adults
3. (c)
  high health care costs
4. (d)
  isolation
  
  Correct answer: b

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Martin, D.B., Ijaz, N., Kheirbek, R.E. (2023). Ageism Revolution and Human Longivity Beyond Age 100. In: Kheirbek, R.E., Llorente, M.D. (eds) Current Perspectives on Centenarians. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 36. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30915-1_1

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30915-1_1
Published: 22 September 2023
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-30914-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-30915-1
eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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