Ageism: Treating Old people differently By Oliver Mupila President & CEO Zambian International Health Alliance Ageism is stereotyping and discriminating against people because of their age. Whilst discriminating (treating someone less favorably) due to age exists all ages. Ageism is usually talked about in terms of older people. Ageism can be defined as a process of stereotyping and Ageism allows younger people to see old people as different to themselves. Therefore, they gradually stop seeing their elders as human beings Discrimination against people because they are old. Old people are thought to be senile, rigid in thought and manner, old fashioned in morality and skills. Agleam allows younger people to see old people as different to themselves. Therefore, they gradually stop seeing their elders as human beings. Ageism allows society to treat elderly people as a group of people who are all the same with the same interests and feelings. We think of them like this mainly because of their age. It allows us to put all elderly people – anyone over 55 for example into same category regardless of their age, sex, abilities e.t.c. This negative and destructive image of elderly people tends to be picked up by older people themselves. This happens despite their own experience, that most of them are active, relatively fit, busy, involved people coping with the ups and downs in their some saying, “wouldn’t go there, it’s full of old people” Where do we find ageism? Older persons suffer ageism a whole variety of situations raining from the views of their family and friends, through to what is printed in the media and from contact with social and health services providers. Some example of these is: Negative or cruel descriptions of old people in jokes, cartoons etc. Late payments of their retirement package, poor social services etc. Jobs which exclude applicants over a certain age, irrespective of ability Inadequate or non-existent pensions. Health workers and caregivers ignoring elderly people’s health problems or refusing to treat them. What are the facts about ageing? As we have described it depends on holding stereotypes about old people and treating all old people the same. In order to challenge ageism we need to know whether there is any truth in the arguments put forward. How important is our age? The answer is our is a factor but perhaps not important as we may think. Physical changes to everyone but often at different speeds. For example some people will start to lose the color of their of their hair the age of 30, others will have little change in their color even when they are considered ‘old.’ For most people changes are noticeable when they are 30 and 40 as much as when they are 55 and 65. The skin becomes less elastic and there are changes in our joints and muscles. Some people describe a sense of slowing down but feel healthy and well, but the ageing process itself is seldom the major cause of problem in old age. The effects of diseases of being unfit and the social problems of growing old are much more important. The reason that many older people suffer from breathing problems is not that their lungs have been affected by ageing but that for years they have to breathe polluted air they may be depressed because they cannot get out and about. Again it’s not age that stops them but lack of support. How do we challenge ageism? People are often unaware The reason that many older people suffer from breathing problems is not that their lungs have been affected by ageing but that for years they have had to breathe polluted air
Of ageism and the effects that their actions can have. Some of the following suggestions may be usefully: Think carefully about the language you use as this can upset people. For example ask people what name they would like to be addressed by – don’t use their first name without asking. Asking individuals or groups how they would like to be called. For example, elders, older people, senior citizens, Bamudala, akulumpi, Bakulumpe, badala, banene, chief etc. Avoid using the word ‘old’ in a negative sense. For example ‘old dear’, ‘old fool’ etc. Gather information to help you to challenge ageist comments, for example if someone says ‘it’s just your age’ to an old person needing medical treatment, explain to the health worker that the to treatment and needs it regard less of their age. Support elderly people in any activities they are doing and encourage them to continue. Sometimes it can help to offer to accompany an elderly person if they are doing something they feel nervous going to the doctor for example. Complain if you find something that is offensive- for example an article in a newspaper-this can help to raise other people’s awareness of ageism. Make people and organize…. act as advocates for older people – eg Gerontologists, Afro-elder, international, the police, pensioner’s groups etc. Note that ageism can be very dangerous. Everybody is different. Old people should be treated as individuals. As yet, there is no cure for old age. Just like AIDS or any vaccination against it, old age and the disease are continuing to spread,. As the adage once said “It dose not affect you until you are old”. In Zambia and most parts of the Africa HIV/AIDS have had a devastating effect on communities, with people of all generations being deeply affected of AIDS on Older people and collect reliable information about ageism, stigma and social isolation associated with caring for someone with HIV and also not forgetting the isolation of people with AIDS (PW’s). It is high time we started recognizing the effects of AIDS on Older people and collect reliable information about this. The work should start now and support projects to be identified and established. Older people are very much affected by HIV/AIDS themselves, but have not had support from the community they live in.
Disclaimer - All information and content on this site are for information and educational purposes only. The information should not be used for either diagnosis or treatment or both for any health related problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Advertise with us | Medindia Copyright | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © All Rights Reserved 1997 - 2024
Careers
Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.