I had not given this issue much thought until about a year ago. My doctor refused to hear what I was saying and patted me on my knee. He then told me that he knew what was needed and for me not to worry, just do what he says." I was flabbergasted to say the least. Never in my life up to that point had anyone spoken to me in such a manner. As a retired RN, I am not afraid to speak up with doctors; but this incident left me speechless.

He proceeded to give me samples of medicine that I had already told him did not work for me. He refused to listen and dismissed my concerns. He patronized me and made me very angry.

After this, I became very aware of how I was being talked to or treated by anyone who was providing me a service. I educated myself on ways to combat this type of discrimination and I suggest you do the same. It is harmful to be so disrespected and dismissed.

Ageism is a type of discrimination that occurs when someone is treated differently based solely on their age. This discrimination can take many forms, from assumptions about an older person's abilities to outright refusal to provide care or services. Ageism is harmful and can have negative impacts on the physical and mental health of older individuals, especially in the healthcare setting.

Examples of Ageism

Ageism can take many forms, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Here are some examples of ageism that older individuals may face:

Assuming that someone is incapable or has cognitive decline based solely on their age
Making negative comments or jokes about older individuals or aging in general
Refusing to hire or promote someone based solely on their age
Offering medical treatment or care based solely on an individual's age rather than their medical needs
Assuming that older individuals are not interested in technology or new experiences
Assuming that older individuals are not sexually active or interested in intimacy

How Ageism Affects Older Patients in Healthcare

This discrimination can have severely negative impacts on older patients in the healthcare setting. Here are some examples of how this works:

Ageism can lead to a lack of quality care, as healthcare providers may make assumptions about an older patient's health status or medical needs based solely on their age.
Older patients may be less likely to seek care if they feel that their healthcare provider is dismissive or uninterested in their concerns.
Ageism can lead to a lack of access to medical treatments and procedures that could benefit older patients, as healthcare providers may make assumptions about an older patient's ability to recover or tolerate certain treatments based solely on their age.
Ageism can lead to a lack of trust in the healthcare system, as older patients may feel that their healthcare providers do not value or respect them.

How to Combat Ageism

Combatting discrimination such as this is an important step in creating a more equitable and just society for people of all ages. Here are some ways that individuals and organizations can combat ageism:

Educate oneself about ageism and its impacts on individuals and society.
Speak out against ageist comments or behaviors, and encourage others to do the same.
Advocate for policies and practices that support the health and well-being of older individuals.

Promote intergenerational connections and opportunities for older individuals to engage with their communities and share their knowledge and experiences.

Be mindful of ageist assumptions and stereotypes, and challenge them when they arise.

Ageism is a harmful form of discrimination that can have severe negative impacts on the health and well-being of older individuals, especially in the healthcare setting. By educating oneself, speaking out against ageism, advocating for policies and practices that support older individuals, promoting intergenerational connections, and being mindful of ageist assumptions and stereotypes, individuals and organizations can combat ageism and create a more just and equitable society for people of all ages.