Question

How can nurses combat ageism in their local, state, and national communities? Do you believe that ageism is based solely on age or on the degree of an elderly person's disability? Socioeconomic level? Culture?

Answer 1

Answer: Ageism is a kind of age discrimination that is found deeply in our culture, mindsets and attitudes. People are so afraid of aging that they consider older people others. In this today's era, society treats older people very differently, unfairly and most often at the age 65 and up into a group of old, frail, forgetful and sickly beings separate from the rest of society. Many experts have found that older adults who accept that depression, fatigue, chronic pain and dependency are just normal parts of aging, do not usually seek medical attention and also don't get proper care.

Age discrimination is being done from the many years, there is nothing new, but it is a major issue with senior citizen care these days. The poor treatment elderly assisted living facilities to lack of proper treatment options in hospitals, ageism causes depression and lack of self-worth in the elderly.

The family members and caregivers of all types need to create positive attitudes toward aging to children in the home. Ageism is totally about attitude, and attitudes can change with education, familiarity and understanding. The nurses and the care givers should considered some of the points while combating the ageism:

• Ignore stereotypes
• Learn more about the aging process
• Speak out against ageism
• Notice your behavior
• Avoid labeling individuals as "the elderly" or "our seniors"
• Encourage bridging the generation gap at work and home
• Respect elderly people