Question

Effects of Ageism

Due to the increasing percentage of older adult clients in the U.S., it is imperative that healthcare providers assess and confront their own attitudes and perceptions toward older adults.

In your initial post, address the following:

1. Describe ageism and its impact on societal views of older adult clients.
2. Explain how ageism can influence the healthcare provisions of older adult clients.
3. As a healthcare provider, how can one best assess and confront attitudes, perceptions, behaviors, and biases toward older adults?

Answer 1

1.Ageism is stereotyping or descrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.It was a combination of three connected elements. *Prejudicial attitudes towards older people, old age , aging process. *Descriminatory practice against older people. *Practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about elderly people.

Ageism has significant effect on the elderly.The stereotyping and infantilization of older people by patronizing language affects older people's self esteem and behavior.After repeatedly hearing a stereotype that older people are useless, they may begin to feel like dependent, non contributing members of society.

2. Ageism can influence the health care provision.Older adults are major health care consumers . Physician involve older patients in medical decision less frequently that younger patients, physician tend to be less respectful,less patients , less involved and less optimistic with older patients it leads to negative effects on the older adults. To provide effective care to older adults need to spend more time with person its affect the care provider time schedule.

3. Best assess towards older adults can provide care in empathetic manner . Provide extra time for care . Give Chance to make decision regarding their health care.