Ageism

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination against or in favor of an age group

Ageism and Human Rights

Efforts to create legal protections for older adults have faced resistance from many governments

Financial Strain and Ageism

Economic concerns may contribute to resistance toward policies protecting older adults

Ageism-Related Healthcare Costs

Increased costs associated with delayed, substandard, or inadequate treatment

Cardiovascular Disease and Ageism

CVD may have the highest ageism-related costs due to delayed diagnosis and treatment

Defining Older Adults

Classification based on age used for policy and research purposes

Federal Retirement Age

Age 65 and older

Young Old

Adults aged 65–74 years

Old

Adults aged 75–84 years

Oldest Old

Adults aged 85 years and older

New Old

Individuals in their 90s and 100s

Aging Population

Growth in the number and proportion of older adults

Life Expectancy Increase

Increased by approximately 30 years during the 20th century

Current Life Expectancy

Approximately 80 years for individuals born today

Fastest Growing Age Group

Adults aged 85 years and older

Population Projection

By 2056, adults over 65 are projected to outnumber those under 18

Primary Prevention

Strategies to prevent disease before it occurs

Secondary Prevention

Efforts to slow disease progression and maintain function and quality of life

Tertiary Prevention

Medical nutrition therapy and clinical treatment to manage disease

Role of Nutrition in Primary Prevention

Healthy diet and regular physical activity

Role of Nutrition in Secondary Prevention

More targeted interventions to slow disease progression

Role of Nutrition in Tertiary Prevention

Aggressive medical and nutrition interventions

Negative Stereotypes of Aging

Harmful assumptions about older adults’ abilities or health

Cultural Views on Aging in the U.S.

Often negative, particularly toward women

Positive Attitudes Toward Aging

Associated with increased lifespan

Internalized Ageism

When individuals adopt negative beliefs about aging

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Internalized ageism leading to poorer health outcomes

Heterogeneity of Older Adults

Wide variability in health, ability, and lifestyle among older adults

Ageist Language

Words or phrases that reinforce negative stereotypes about aging

Ageism in Healthcare

Discrimination that affects care quality and health outcomes

Assumptions of Decline

Belief that cognitive or physical decline is inevitable with age

Attribution to Age

Dismissing symptoms as “just old age”

Healthcare Avoidance

Reduced likelihood of seeking care due to ageist experiences

Depersonalization

Talking about a patient in their presence without addressing them

Loss of Autonomy

Others making decisions older adults can make themselves

Unnecessary Assistance

Providing help that is not needed

Infantilizing Language

Addressing older adults with terms like “sweetie”

Dismissed Complaints

Taking older adults’ concerns less seriously

DNR Violations

Going against a patient’s wishes regarding do-not-resuscitate orders

Elder Abuse

Physical, emotional, or financial abuse by caregivers

Sex Differences in Care

Older women less likely to receive recommended preventive treatments

Clinical Trial Exclusion

Older adults often excluded despite higher medication risk

Medicare

Federal health insurance program for adults 65+ and certain disabled individuals

Medicare Reimbursement

Typically reimburses providers less than private insurance

Medicare Part A

Hospital insurance

Medicare Part B

Medical insurance covering outpatient care and preventive services

Medicare Part A Cost

Free for most individuals who have paid Medicare taxes

Medicare Part B Cost

Requires a monthly premium

Supplemental Medicare Policies

Additional insurance to cover costs not paid by Medicare

Quality of Life (Older Adults)

Influenced by health, independence, social support, and access to care

COVID-19 and Older Adults

Older adults experienced disproportionate health risks and impacts

Appropriate Aging Terminology

Older adults, older persons, aging population

Relativity of Aging

Recognizes aging as a continuum, not a separate category

Outdated Terminology

Seniors, elderly, retiree

“Elderly” Connotation

Often associated with frailty and dependency