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Seniors International Day: Ageism revisited

5 octobre 2016, 19:25

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Seniors International Day: Ageism revisited

This article follows the campaign of Age Demands Action (ADA) of Help Age International to focus around ageism and how it manifests itself across the world and leads to discrimination, stereotyping and abuse of older people (seniors) everywhere. It is also the wish of Help Age International and other organizations to start a long-term campaign to end ageism.

What is Ageism

Ageism is a form of prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of age. Ageism robs seniors of choice, respect, independence, dignity and negatively impacts on their confidence, job prospects, financial situation and their quality of life.

The term was first coined in 1968 by Robert Butler, an American gerontologist to describe discrimination against seniors. Besides racism, sexism and homophobia, ageism is another type of prejudice which is more resistant to change.

Ageism is the practice of treating seniors as helpless, unproductive and powerless. Age discrimination is nothing new. But it is a serious issue with senior citizen care these days. Ageism may contribute to depression and lacking self- worth in the elderly.

The following examples illustrate how the behaviour of a senior is described in an ageist manner, where the same behaviour by a younger person is explained without stereotype:  

When older people forget someone’s name, they are viewed as senile. When a younger person fails to recall a name, we usually say he or she has ‘faulty memory. When an older person complains about life or a particular incident, they are called cranky and difficult, while a younger person may just be seen as being critical.

Ageism in the family.

Ageism is often directed at elderly family members. To help reduce ageism in the family, relatives must be alerted to their ageist attitudes. Unless they know they are discriminatory, family members will likely go on perpetuating ageism. Teaching family members about ageist and the elderly increases their awareness and empathy for issues that affect older relatives.

By exposing family members to older relatives, the chances of these family members exhibiting ageism is decreased. They will learn better ways to approach elderly people and will discover the positive aspects of ‘growing older’.

Changing the language the family uses is one method of combating ageism. Using ageist language does not contribute to a family environment that accepts elderly relatives. Language that talks about old age as negative or unwanted should not be used..

Americans make jokes and comments about growing old that perpetuate negative stereotypes about ageing. Seniors are portrayed in a negative light such as “old fart,” and ‘old goat”.

In Mauritius we are not less behind in calling seniors by name. The term “ banne vieux chicot” (old stump) is quite familiar in our local jargon.

As a matter of fact the whole attitude towards our seniors should undergo a thorough shift from indifference to a more humane and genuine concern about their physical and emotional changes.

Ageism and health care

Seniors often face difficulties accessing quality health services. Ageism can have a negative impact on their  health and well being . Research has shown that discrimination against the elderly on health care  does exist and that older patients actually receive less aggressive care than do younger patients for fear that their older patients are not physically strong enough to tolerate the curative treatments and are more likely to have complications during surgery. The approach is concentrated more on managing the disease rather than preventing or curing it.

A study by the Help age International revealed the existence of deep-rooted ageism within the health sector including denial of medication, abuse, neglect and negative attitudes by health workers.

There should be increased access to health services for older people and their involvement in all efforts towards the achievement of healthy ageing.

A geriatric hospital promised by Government is long overdue and separate queues for seniors at various hospitals are still mere good intentions.

Ageism and employment

While studies have shown that interest, motivation, and skill do not decline with age, some employers continue to perceive older workers as resistant to change, slow to learn new skills and uncomfortable with new technologies.

Despite the common stereotype that productivity declines with age, research has revealed that some intellectual functions may then improve with age,

Ageist attitudes, which may be hidden or subtle still persist in workplace. Sometimes older employees are denied promotions  for the concealing ageist views that they lack potential or drive..

Dr Staudinger of Columbia University, New York City pointed out that’ older persons are passed over for jobs despite their experience and qualifications. Also their bosses assume that they are not open to change and won’t include them in new projects or assignments’

 An example is that Actor Pierce Brosman cited ageism as one of the contributory factors as to why he was not asked to continue his role as James Bond in the Bond film ‘Casino Royale’ released in 2006.

On the other hand it is  claimed that certain attributes of older workers, such as greater experience and less absenteism make older workers comparable or even of greater value to employers than younger workers.

Examples of seniors achieving excellence in various walks of life ranging from political, scientific, social and sports fields abound both locally and on international fronts.

If Fauja Singh the “Turbaned Tornado” of London can cover the Marathon race on several occasions at the tender age of 102 – Qui dit mieux?

Overcoming Ageism

Our Government has done much effort  to curb ageism through its Protection of Elderly Persons Act 2005 and reinforced by an amendment in 2016 whose main object is to  ensure, promote and sustain the physical,  psychological, emotional, social and economic protection of elderly persons.

Although  it palliates to some extent ageism, it is a fact that ageist attitudes as mentioned before are but hidden and subtle and they are more resistant to change. However, we can fight to reduce it.

In Mauritius there is quite a good number of seniors living alone and needless to say they are easy prey to theft, violence, rape and various sorts of harassment. They are the real victims of ageism..

Perhaps Government could carry out a survey to inquire into their living conditions and see how best these people could live peacefully and comfortably without stigma.

 In a recent publication on the Economic and Social Contribution of the Elderly in Mauritius, Mr Michael Ratnam former World Bank cadre had this to say among others : “In today’s society, some view seniors with admiration and salute their contribution to the wealth of a nation, while others see them in a negative light as being a burden and costing a heavy toll on the tax payer”.

It becomes therefore necessary to raise public awareness about the existence of ageism and to dispel common stereotypes and misperceptions about ageing.

What we can do

  1. Promote intergenerational activities. Invite younger people to your discussions and ask for their input. Surround yourself with younger people. Being old does not necessarily entitle you to more respect. Kids deserve respect too. Let us reframe the aging process, build a bridge and create a truly intergenerational society. Teach children the concept of the life cycle with positive images of old age.
     
  2. Speak up. Make an attempt to participate at family gatherings where there are people of all ages. Do not sit and watch only.
     
  3. Follow the news. Live in the present and look to the future. Show to your children and grandchildren that you are aware of what’s going on around you. Use email and social media for communications.
     
  4. Be positive .Relish the experience and wisdom that come with age and put them to good use.
     
  5. Be as independent as you can. Example- go shopping. Do your own banking.
     
  6. Organize Consciousness raising discussions to unpack perceptions and prejudices using personal experiences to allow new thinking. This is where the role of associations dealing with seniors come into play.
     
  7. Accept ageing as a natural part of life. Do not resent growing old. Many are denied this privilege.
     
  8. Show more positive images of seniors and of ageing in the media like featuring productive, active and successful seniors in television shows and commercial advertising .
     

It is gratifying to note that ‘Combating Ageism”  will be one of the 4 main themes to be discussed at the next Global Conference organized by the International Federation of Ageing (IFA)in August 2018 in Canada.

Hence-the importance of starting now the campaign