Ageism is a form of discrimination defined by the World Health Organization as “stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age.” Ageism is a widespread and insidious practice that can have harmful effects on the health of older adults.
Instructions:
- Answer the following questions as thoroughly and concisely as possible:
- Discuss how ageism differs from racism and sexism. Point out that we will never know what it is like to be a different gender or a different race. We hope, however, that we will all know what it is like to be old.
- Old is a relative measure of time, yet it conveys strong, mostly negative impressions. How might these attitudes about old affect one’s attitudes about growing old? About being with older people?
- How might negative attitudes about aging influence public policy, health careers and social programs for older people?
Requirements: 300 words | .doc file
Answer preview
Negative attitudes about aging and older people significantly affect social programs, health careers, and public policies. Health careers for older persons are terminated early in the healthcare institutions through retirements. The elderly experience several health issues and diagnoses, which creates a perception of their incompetence to sustain their health careers. Also, social programs and public policies do not invest major resources to address the needs of the older generation (Berger, 2017). As a result, a stereotype that older adults should not consume a higher share of valued resources such as social programs is created; instead, younger people who still have the drive should be considered.
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