Ageing Bias and Ageism The terms age bias and ageism can be used interchangeably and was first recognized as an issue in 1969 by Robert Butler, MD, and continues to be an issue in today’s society. This paper will define ageism and provide examples of age bias that older adults experience in day to day living. A community education plan will be provided to help bring awareness to ageism and age bias (Achenbaum, 2015).
Definition and Examples
Definition of Ageism Butler defined ageism as “a systemic stereotyping of discrimination against people because they as old “(Achenbaum, 2015, p.11). Segen’s Medical Dictionary (2011), defines age bias as “any shift in a health providers patient management which is based solely on the patient’s age …show more content…
It was also evident that most everyone had witnessed age bias in some form or fashion, confirming ageism remains an issue although some steps to identify and decrease age bias. In the past ten to fifteen years, much focus has been placed on providing education and promoting cultural competency which includes ageism. Studies have shown, if nurses are culturally sensitive the patients have more positive outcomes and patient satisfaction is increased (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). Based on Butler’s definition of ageism, most have committed some form of ageism, including myself. Reflecting back on my actions of teasing my mother about needing a hearing aide or her lack of driving skills are all examples of age bias. Luckily, I have never witnessed a blatant act of a person being denied medical care based on their age but after reading Position Statement 35, it is understandable how older adults are often under treated for …show more content…
Many older adults are often lonely, isolated and suffer chronic medical conditions that exacerbate depression and in turn the depression exacerbates the chronic medical condition. In the past five years of my career, I have seen firsthand how this is affecting the care of our elderly. I have changed my practice to be more astute and aware of signs and symptoms of depression in the older adults under my care. If any symptoms are identified I will discuss my concerns with the patient as well as their provider in hopes treatment can be initiated if needed.
Community Education Plan
Statement of the problem Depression is being under treated or misdiagnosed in older adults.
Priority 1: Increase the awareness of depression and how it affects older adults
Objective
Provide education to older adults, healthcare providers and their caregivers on the signs and symptoms of depression
Action Steps
1. Provide and require educational sessions on depression in older adults to healthcare
Definition and Examples
Definition of Ageism Butler defined ageism as “a systemic stereotyping of discrimination against people because they as old “(Achenbaum, 2015, p.11). Segen’s Medical Dictionary (2011), defines age bias as “any shift in a health providers patient management which is based solely on the patient’s age …show more content…
It was also evident that most everyone had witnessed age bias in some form or fashion, confirming ageism remains an issue although some steps to identify and decrease age bias. In the past ten to fifteen years, much focus has been placed on providing education and promoting cultural competency which includes ageism. Studies have shown, if nurses are culturally sensitive the patients have more positive outcomes and patient satisfaction is increased (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). Based on Butler’s definition of ageism, most have committed some form of ageism, including myself. Reflecting back on my actions of teasing my mother about needing a hearing aide or her lack of driving skills are all examples of age bias. Luckily, I have never witnessed a blatant act of a person being denied medical care based on their age but after reading Position Statement 35, it is understandable how older adults are often under treated for …show more content…
Many older adults are often lonely, isolated and suffer chronic medical conditions that exacerbate depression and in turn the depression exacerbates the chronic medical condition. In the past five years of my career, I have seen firsthand how this is affecting the care of our elderly. I have changed my practice to be more astute and aware of signs and symptoms of depression in the older adults under my care. If any symptoms are identified I will discuss my concerns with the patient as well as their provider in hopes treatment can be initiated if needed.
Community Education Plan
Statement of the problem Depression is being under treated or misdiagnosed in older adults.
Priority 1: Increase the awareness of depression and how it affects older adults
Objective
Provide education to older adults, healthcare providers and their caregivers on the signs and symptoms of depression
Action Steps
1. Provide and require educational sessions on depression in older adults to healthcare