October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day. However, you might be wondering what ageism is and what this means for our community. Thankfully, this day is dedicated to raising awareness of a cultural phenomenon that often goes unnoticed. Oakwood Creative Care is excited to invite you to encourage the latest movement by the American Society on Aging: Let’s #TalkAboutAgeism.
What is Ageism?
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age. In many cases, we might not always realize that we are subjecting ourselves or others to ageism on any scale. The American Society on Aging notes that ageism shows up in many ways, including:
- Internalized ageism: How we feel about ourselves and others as aging people.
- Implicit ageism: The unconscious bias that includes attitudes, feelings, and behaviors toward people of other age groups that operate without conscious awareness or intention.
- Interpersonal ageism: Ageist comments and behavior between people when they interact. This includes patronizing, paternalistic beliefs or behaviors that older people need to be protected because they can no longer make decisions for themselves.
Elderspeak & Other Age-Related Misconceptions
One of the most commonly encountered types of ageism is Elderspeak. Elderspeak occurs when older adults are addressed as if they can’t make decisions independently. This sounds like people speaking to them in a higher, slower pitch and with simple words similar to those used when speaking to a child.
Being interacted with in such a way can damage anyone’s self-esteem. Just because a person is growing older does not automatically mean they are incapable of making decisions for themselves or cannot understand what is happening around them. Even in situations where an older adult has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they are still very much aware of when someone is talking down to them. Being spoken to through Elderspeak is one reason older loved ones may hesitate to speak up or speak out in specific scenarios – because they do not wish to feel like less of a person.
Though we may not mean to use Elderspeak or believe that doing so comes with the best intentions, we must put each other’s personhood and self-esteem at the forefront of our attention. Everyone is entitled to receive the respect they deserve, and their voice heard, regardless of age.
Ageism is the Most Widely Accepted Form of Prejudice
It is alarming to think, but the truth is, yes, ageism has become the most accepted form of prejudice and discrimination in the world’s eye. Every day, our communities are subjected to the invisible, profoundly ingrained, and normalized negative messages about aging and having “senior moments.” But, many of us might not think twice about it when it happens or even realize it when we see it. Tara Krantzman, Oakwood’s Chief Operating Officer and advocate for inclusivity, has this to say on the matter:
One of the most persistent issues with ageism is just how tightly woven it is within our cultural norms. Think of your favorite commercial, sitcom, or movie, then consider how much of the comedic relief comes from an older adult who frequently demonstrates moments of being “old and senile” or “just doesn’t know any better.” These things aren’t usually given a second thought to consider the sensitive nature of it all.
So, between all of the senior moment jokes and the typecasting that gets thrown in at our older community’s expense, most people might not even realize the prejudice they’re promoting simply because it is so openly accepted. Not to mention the level of silent discomfort
we’re inflicting on whole generations, so much so that when it comes time for an older adult to seek help, they remain hesitant to do so because they don’t want to become another number in an unfair stereotype.
It’s Time to Combat Ageism with Positive Perceptions
The best thing we can do for ourselves and the older adults in our community is to start talking about ageism, calling it out as we see it, and stop thinking of aging as a dirty word.
The American Society on Aging notes that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with a less positive perception. They also note that higher optimism has been associated with a more positive self-perception of aging, which can lead to positive health consequences.
They quote Dr. Becca Levy, a leading researcher in the fields of social gerontology and psychology of aging, who says, “The single most important factor in determining longevity—more important than gender, income, social background, loneliness or functional health—is how people think about and approach the idea of old age.”
Visit the American Society of Aging for more information on ageism and how to become a champion for inclusivity.
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
