Discrimination And Prejudice Against The Elderly - 877 Words

T he term ageism refers to discrimination and prejudice against the elderly. The term was introduced into the American vocabulary in 1971 by Robert Neil Butler, MD (January 21, 1927 – July 4, 2010). He was the first director of the National Institute on Aging. According to Doctor Butler, the three primary prejudicial attitudes seem to be: (1) old age, and the aging process; (2) discriminatory practices against older people; and (3) institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about older people. Much of what passes for knowledge and understanding of aging are myths, misleading information, or just bad information. Our youth oriented culture has developed a fear and prejudice against aging persons and unquestionably against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), intellectually and physically disabled seniors, and people of a certain faith and spiritual beliefs. The ability to distinguish, fear and prejudice based upon myths and misconceptions from truths and facts about older adults are vital to eldercare success. Ageism is not limited to America. It has become an international issue. There was a time when elders received respect for their knowledge and extensive memory of history. Two major historical events changed that perspective. The printing press allowed for sharing of knowledge and the industrial revolution sped us to a mobile society. Ageism seems to be rooted in the fear of the problems associated with growing older. Growing old willShow MoreRelatedAgeism : Prejudice Or Discrimination Against A Particular Age Group And Especially The Elderly1960 Words   |  8 PagesAccording to the online dictionary, Merriam Webster (2015) ageism is â€Å"prejudice or discrimination against a particular age group and especially the elderly.† Ageism is a form of stereotyping that can be pernicious to organisations by creating a platform for discrimination and further conflict. Ageism occurs quite regularly within organisations, whether it is directly or unknowingly, and intervention methods n eed to be employed to stop this conflict from arising. Stereotypes have long been prevalentRead MoreThe Never Ending Cycle of Prejudice In U.S.A Essay1331 Words   |  6 Pageswith discrimination and prejudice throughout its history. On July 2nd, 1964 the United States took a step in the right direction, when it recognized the principle that all men are created equal with the passage of the Civil Rights Act. The Act outlawed all discrimination formed on the basis of race, religious affiliation, gender or ethnic origin. In addition, it ended racial segregation in educational institutions and in the workplace. However, it can be argued that discrimination and prejudice remainRead MoreEssay on Ageism or Agism621 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Ageism, or agism, is a prejudice or discrimination against an individual or group in society on the basis of ones conception of age. A  prejudice is a  preconceived  mentality, judgement, or opinion that may have no  reason nor basis. Discr imination is the expression of prejudice resulting in differential treatment of different groups or individuals in society. This may include unjust behaviors, actions, language(s) and degrading terms, or limitations  restricting anothers rights. A person who participatesRead MorePositive and Negative Effects of Ageism Essay1041 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"ism† â€Å"Ageism has been called the ultimate prejudice, the last discrimination, the cruelest rejection,† Stein (unpublished). We as a people have defeated for the most part racism and sexism, but we have allowed the third great â€Å"ism† to remain unchallenged. â€Å"This widely practiced prejudice has gone on for generations and is known as ageism,† (Palmore, Erdman, Ballagh (1999). By definition, according to Webster’s Dictionary, it is discrimination against person’s of a certain age group. Ageism includesRead MoreEssay on Ageism: A Constant Disregard in Society1714 Words   |  7 Pagesis attained by a righteous life,† (Proverbs) yet the elderly of today are often times thought of as burdens by the younger generations. It is by embracing this negative mentality that discrimination arises. Ageism, as defined by Oxford dictionary, is â€Å"prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of age,† and generally, in society, is thought of as discrimination against elders more so than children. This differs from other forms of discrimination such as racism, or sexism, because ageing is an inevitableRead MoreAgeism : Discrimination Against Older People865 Words   |  4 PagesAgeism Ageism is â€Å"discrimination against older people.† (Webster’s, 2003) The words age and racism combined to define this prejudice. There are studies that show one in every five workers in the United States are over fifty-five. Around sixty percent of workers state they have experienced ageism in the workplace. (North, 2013) Yet, the elderly are not the only ones who experience age discrimination. Ageism happens to children, teenagers, and middle-aged adults. Age discrimination appears to be prevalentRead MoreReducing the Divide between Young and Old1299 Words   |  6 PagesThe area of diversity that we will look at here is Ageism. First we will discuss some of the more important barriers that are present because of age. We will discuss how this group is affected by discrimination, prejudices, and stereotypes and some of the sources that perpetuate it. Finally we’ll attempt to show some strategies that both young and old can use to promote communication and understanding to hopefully reduce the divide between the young and old. In ancient times the old we’re valuedRead MoreIs Ageism The Intentional And Subconscious Discrimination Against Older Adults? Essay1265 Words   |  6 Pagessubconscious discrimination against older adults, but it seems the younger generation does not understand that and dismisses the elderly. Showing respect and dignity to the older adult (OA) should be a courtesy ingrained in each of us, sadly, that has been forgotten in today’s society. The younger generations must learn the importance of respecting and take the time to listen to what the OA has to say and spend quality time with them. Children should be taught from an early age to treat the elderly withRead MoreDiscrimination towards the elderly community is constantly being tolerated across the world. A600 Words   |  3 PagesDiscrimination towards the elderly community is constantly being tolerated across the world. A definition of age discrimination can simply be put into terms as; stereotyping and discriminating against a certain individual or group of people based upon their age. Which can also be classified as ageism: defined as the prejudice against older individuals that can lead into age discrimination.The elderly community is one common group of people that are constantly being put under discrimination becauseRead MoreSocial Inequality in Elderly Americans1115 Words   |  5 PagesSocial Inequality in Elderly Americans Elderly people (women and men age sixty-five or older) (Macionis, 2005), Have many obstacles to face as they grow older, many of these obstacles involve social inequality. Not only do the elderly have to learn to deal with many forms of Ageism (the stereotyping and prejudice against individuals or groups because of their age), some also have to deal with the fact that they do not have enough savings or pension benefits to be self supporting, for most people