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How do stereotypes harm older adults? A theoretical explanation for the perpetration of elder abuse and its rise
- Authors:
- SHEPHERD Benjamin F., BROCHU Paula M.
- Journal article citation:
- Aggression and Violent Behavior, 57, 2021, p.101435.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Mounting research shows that older adults who experience abuse are at elevated risk for a wide range of negative health and well-being outcomes. Yet, even as the older adult population grows and rates of elder abuse rise across the globe, the issue continues to be overlooked and perpetuated by individuals and institutions across various countries, cultures, and settings. Recognizing, addressing, and preventing the mistreatment of older adults is a challenge because elder abuse is not well-understood or extensively studied, and its root causes are perceived to vary from case to case. In order to fill this gap, we examine elder abuse and its associations with ageism through the lens of two empirically supported, cross-cultural models (i.e., the stereotype content model and BIAS map). These models explain how the acceptance and endorsement of societal stereotypes about older adults on dimensions of warmth and competence lead to emotion-driven, discriminatory behaviors ranging from neglect and abandonment to emotional, financial, and physical harm. This article also serves as a call to action, encouraging researchers, health professionals, policy makers, and community members to gain awareness of their own ageist beliefs and how they influence the way they perceive and interact with older adults. (Edited publisher abstract)
Global report on ageism
- Author:
- WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
- Publisher:
- World Health Organization
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 202
- Place of publication:
- Geneva
This report, after defining the nature of ageism, summarises the best evidence about the scale, the impacts and the determinants of ageism and the most effective strategies to reduce it. Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people on the basis of their age. It can be institutional, interpersonal or self-directed. Ageism pervades many institutions and sectors of society, including those providing health and social care, the workplace, the media and the legal system. Health-care rationing on the basis of age is widespread, and older adults tend to be excluded from research and data collection efforts. Ageism has serious and far-reaching consequences for people’s health, well-being and human rights. For older people, ageism is associated with a shorter lifespan, poorer physical and mental health, slower recovery from disability and cognitive decline. Ageism reduces older people’s quality of life, increases their social isolation and loneliness (both of which are associated with serious health problems), restricts their ability to express their sexuality and may increase the risk of violence and abuse against older people. Three strategies to reduce ageism have been shown to work: policy and law, educational activities and intergenerational contact interventions. The report concludes with three recommendations for action, informed by the evidence, to create a world for all ages: invest in evidence-based strategies to prevent and tackle ageism; improve data and research to gain a better understanding of ageism and how to reduce it; and build a movement to change the narrative around age and ageing. (Edited publisher abstract)
Understanding ageism: lessons from feminism and postmodernism
- Author:
- LAWS Glenda
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 35(1), February 1995, pp.112-118.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Argues that ageism is a set of oppressive social relations directed at and constructed in images of the aged body. Drawing from feminist and postmodern theorists it is suggested that essentialism must be avoided and sensitivity must be shown to historical and geographical variations in the form of ageism. The focus is therefore on the contested nature of the aged body and associated identities, whilst rejecting attempts at universalising scholarship. Suggests that work should focus on five sites of struggle around ageist identities: the labour force, the household, popular culture, the state, and the built environment, each of which is involved in the construction and reconstruction of the aged body.
Older workers in modern times: the ageing of the UK Labour market and its consequences
- Author:
- KHAN Omar
- Journal article citation:
- Runnymede Bulletin, 368, Winter 2011, pp.14-15.
- Publisher:
- Runnymede Trust
The implcations of the UK's ageing population on the labour market and its consequences for BME older people are discussed.
Elder abuse and oppression: voices of marginalized elders
- Authors:
- WALSH Christine A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 23(1), January 2011, pp.17-42.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The aim of this study was to explore the complex interrelationship between oppression and elder maltreatment. Oppression is of itself abusive but it can also increase older adults’ vulnerability to, or exacerbate their experience of, abuse. The authors began by reviewing the literature on oppression and elder abuse. They then undertook a secondary analysis of data from the Elder Abuse Study. This involved focus group discussions on elder abuse with marginalised older adults (n=76) and the professionals caring for them (n=43) in two Canadian cities. The stigmatised/oppressed definitions included women, immigrants, Aboriginals, lesbians, those diagnosed with mood disorders and survivors of abuse. The analysis revealed that increased vulnerability to elder abuse was related to oppression experienced as a consequence of ageism, sexism, ableism/disability, racism, heterosexism/homophobia, classism, and various intersecting types of oppression. The authors note that stereotypes about older adults often became internalised by the older adults themselves, which helps to explain why they can become marginalised. Although many of the participants were marginalised or oppressed in a number of ways an important finding was the resilience of some of the elder abuse victims. The focus groups provided suggestions for how care workers and policy makers might meet the needs of elderly abuse victims.
Strengthening older people's rights: towards a UN convention
- Author:
- HELPAGE INTERNATIONAL
- Publisher:
- HelpAge International
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 11p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Older people are not recognised explicitly under the existing international human rights laws. This publication aims to strengthen understanding and awareness of the need for a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. The authors outline why it is important to promote and protect the rights of older people and the connection between ageism, age discrimination and older people’s rights. The numerous ways in which older people’s rights are violated are highlighted. The authors argue that protection under existing international law is inadequate and that there is a need for a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. This publication is intended to provide the arguments and tools for engaging stakeholders across the globe in debate about older people’s rights and the role of a convention.
"You're awfully old to have this disease": experiences of stigma and ageism in adults 50 years and older living with HIV/AIDS
- Author:
- EMLET Charles A.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 46(6), December 2006, pp.781-790.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Older adults living with HIV infection may be doubly stigmatized, as they are branded by both age as well as HIV status. Through semi structured interviews, this study sought to examine whether older adults with HIV/AIDS experience both ageism and HIV stigma and how those experiences manifest in their lives. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were completed with adults aged 50 years and older who were living with HIV or AIDS in the United States. Purposive sampling was used to recruit these individuals who shared their experiences. Open coding and axial coding of interview transcripts were completed on all interviews, resulting in the development of a framework of these experiences. The majority (68%) of the respondents experienced both ageism and HIV-associated stigma. The experiences were often separate, although some interrelated stigma did occur. Nine themes emerged from the interviews, including rejection, stereotyping, fear of contagion, violations of confidentiality, and internalized ageism. All themes fell into four categories: social discrimination, institutional discrimination, anticipatory stigma, and other. The research identified themes that may be sources of felt as well as enacted stigma and discrimination related to both aging and HIV. This concept of double jeopardy exists in the lives of the majority of people interviewed and has relevance to the creation of appropriate intervention strategies.
Age taking stock consultation
- Author:
- SCOTT Helena
- Publisher:
- Age Concern Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 10p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This document concerns the Taking Stock on Age consultation by the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee. Appended to this submission is an executive summary of Age Concern Scotland’s recommendations for taking forward work on the Scottish age and ageing strategy drawn from research of 25 nations’ approaches to ageing and older people. This response considers age discrimination, particularly for people aged 50 and over, within a devolved policy context but makes reference, where appropriate, to reserved policy which impacts on older people and for which the Scottish Parliament and Executive has within its scope the promotion of equal opportunities.
Age: a dubious criterion in legislation
- Authors:
- BREDA Jef, SCHOENMAEKERS David
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 26(4), July 2006, pp.529-547.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Policymakers like to make use of age criteria, because they provide a transparent and seemingly objective standard. In reality, however, age limits are not as innocent as they appear: distinctions on the basis of age are often irrelevant and the actual age thresholds tend to be arbitrary. Age limits can also be criticised from a theoretical perspective: how can the heterogeneity of today's older people be reconciled with uniform age-defined classes? In response to a European Union Directive of 2000, Belgium implemented strict anti-discrimination legislation. This provides all the more reason to ascertain the prevalence and justification of the use of age criteria in legislation. Belgium is a federal state with three communities and three regions, and the scrutiny has been restricted to the Flemish community and region. All legislation has been screened for the use of 50 or more years as an age criterion, and all occurrences have been critically examined. The paper focuses on three fields of statutory regulation: early retirement, concessionary public transport fares, and the different care entitlements of people with disabilities and of older people. Evidence of age discrimination was found, although often in a form that benefits older people. The justification of the age criterion was often inadequate, so the adoption often appears no more than convenient standard practice. The paper concludes that policy makers should consider the systematic replacement of age thresholds by other criteria.
Questions of tomorrow
- Author:
- HARDING Tessa
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 30.11.95, 1995, p.21.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Inspired visions of life for elderly people have been noticeably absent from the debate between health and social services about continuing care. Considers the future of community care for older people.