Title: The Psychological and Social Impacts of Aging
Headings: The Psychological and Social Impacts of Aging
The Psychological and Social Impacts of Aging
Major Life Changes
Fear of the Future
Memory and Learning
Loss of Independence
Grief and Loss
Ageism and Discrimination
Helping Your Loved One Cope

Content: Ageism and Discrimination
Ageism is defined as discrimination based on an individual’s age. Although there were more people above age 65 counted in the 2010 census than in any previous census ever conducted, our seniors still struggle with stigmas placed on them by a youth-oriented society. Sadly, older people are commonly perceived as unsuitable employees, part of a demographic that is not worth advertising to because they are already “set in their ways.” This neglect by the workplace and the media leads to widespread misconceptions about the lifestyles and usefulness of our elderly citizens. Be aware that an alarming amount of ageism occurs in the field of healthcare. Doctors often neglect research and preventative care focused on the elderly because of an attitude that “old people are supposed to be sick, and nothing much can be done about this because we can’t turn back time.” Aging Well Magazine reports that: “ A survey conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine revealed that 80% of medical students would aggressively treat pneumonia in a girl aged 10, while only 56% would do the same for a woman aged 85.” Like any level of stereotyping, ageism is damaging to all people exposed to this mentality, but especially to those who are most affected by the discrimination. People buy into these untrue representations of the elderly, and even seniors are at risk of believing the false images of themselves that are so frequently shown to them.