Describe ageism and its impact on societal views of older adult clients.

Discussion post | NURSING CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT | Rasmussen College System

Ageism is prejudice against or discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age. Ageism affects many aspects of life, from employment and health care to leisure activities and social services. It can result in older adults being unable to access appropriate resources and services, as well as feeling isolated and marginalized.

Societal views of older adult clients are often influenced by age-based stereotypes which can affect how they are perceived, treated and valued by society at large. Older adults may be seen as a burden, outmoded or irrelevant to current trends, needs or demands. This can cause them to become discouraged from trying something new due to fear of failure or rejection. They may also be viewed as less capable than younger adults when it comes to participating in physical activity, learning new skills and engaging with technology. Similarly, they may receive fewer opportunities for meaningful involvement in the workplace due to their age-related “outdatedness” compared with younger generations.

Older adult clients may therefore feel ignored or undervalued within society; this sense of devaluation can have profound psychological effects on an individual’s self-worth over time leading potentially lead to decreased mental wellbeing overall. In addition, systemic ageism has been linked with poorer health outcomes among older people due its association with limited access healthcare services (which can limit screening risks) along with higher levels of stress resulting from daily interactions that reflect negative stereotypes about aging populations (e.g., assumptions regarding cognitive decline).

Overall, it is important for societies to recognize the importance of eradicating ageist attitudes towards older members so that everyone regardless of their chronological age has equal access rights and opportunities for a full life free from discrimination.