Tag Archives: ageism

October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day. As caregivers, we see aging from a myriad of perspectives. While we no doubt see the physical and cognitive challenges that our loved ones contend with as they grow older, we also see the discrimination that older people, those who are disabled, and those with dementia face on a routine basis.

Ageism can be found in a variety of settings, from popular culture to the doctor’s office. According to the American Society on Aging, “Ageism is one of the most widespread and socially accepted form of
prejudice.”

Here are a few facts to know about ageism, courtesy of the American Society on Aging.

• Ageism occurs in many forms, including Internalized, cultural, implicit and benevolent.
• Older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with a less positive self perception of aging, according to one study.
• Ageism in the workplace has many consequences. AARP estimated $850 billion in lost gains to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of involuntary retirement underemployment, and unemployment among older workers.
• In medicine, there is a shortage of geriatricians in the U.S. that will only worsen as the demand is set to skyrocket. Ageism can also be found in grant fund recipients for aging-related projects and clinical trial participants.

What can you do? Be vocal when you or your loved ones face ageism. Support efforts that seek to portray aging in a more realistic, less stereotypical manner. How can we as a society better support changing needs as we age?