Respond by Day 7 to at least two colleagues in the following ways:
• Provide additional resources or information to support the solutions proposed.
• Describe alternative practices from other locations not previously discussed.
• Offer alternative viewpoints and insights.
• Ask for clarification.
As the old saying goes, “Everybody wants to grow old, but nobody wants to be old” has been famous since ancient times (Brinkhof et al., 2022, p. 44). Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against older adults (even among older adults themselves) on the grounds of their age are commonly referred to as ageism. Ageism is similar to other “-isms”—like sexism, racism, classism, or heterosexism—in that it creates an “other.” The discrimination I believe is happening to the older population is that older people are viewed as lonely, frail, poor, and deserving of our help (Brinkhof et al., 2022). Ageism can manifest in policies, interactions, patronizing older adults, and thinking one is too old to learn something new (WHO, 2021). Additionally, crucially ageism is insidious because it is deeply ingrained and more socially accepted than many other forms of bias and often goes largely unrecognized.
The discrimination I believe is happening to the older population is that older people are viewed as lonely and frail. People use this to their advantage and try to abuse them. People can pretend to help them by pretending to be friendly, for example, at the bank. Some older adults typically ask strangers to help them put their pins in the ATM and become victims of financial abuse, as the person can switch the car and use it later. Additionally, there are other ways the elderly can be abused or neglected–not just financially. If caregivers are in charge of seniors’ daily needs, they are sometimes not treated with dignity and respect. Perpetrators may be paid attendants, family members, employees of long-term care facilities, or other caregivers who lack adequate skills, training, time, or energy. Also, because some people see the elderly population as greedy and selfish, they do not care who their caregivers are, which could be people who are mentally ill, have alcohol or substance abuse, or have other mental health problems.
Ageism also includes three dimensions: stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination (Iversen et al., 2009). Stereotypes are over-generalized, often simplified ideas that people hold about older adults are slow in movement and thought and reflect how people think. Secondly, Prejudices are opinions related to feelings and attitudes, considering older adults as boring conversation partners. Finally, discrimination is the application of beliefs about older adults based on stereotypes and prejudices (Fiske, 2010) and relates to how people behave toward older adults; e.g., older adults are not taken seriously). Most forms of ageism relate to at least two of these dimensions.
Proposed Solution to Ageism in Society
There should be a law that everyone reports to the police if they think an older adult is being abused. Additionally, other agencies should help in situations where elderly abuse is suspected. The Division of Ageing (DOA), established in August 2003, is an umbrella agency within the Ministry of Social Development and family services to focus on aging initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago. There is also a hotline at the division of the aging unit that can be accessed at any time and is anonymous. Older people should not live in fear because the general public thinks it does not affect them. The law will ensure that the elderly is everybody’s business and no older adult will be taken advantage of or abused. We all will be in this age group one day, and knowing we did our part now will make it more secure for future generations.
