Influence of Ageism on Mental Health
Ageism is stereotyping and discrimination based on age. It is commonly exhibited when older people are ignored, treated like they are undeserving of respect and dignity when they are denied employment, promotion reward, and other opportunities at work or being outrightly reproached solely because of their age. This negative prejudice and discrimination have been proved to harm both the physical and mental wellbeing of older people. According to various studies about mental health, ageism is one of the leading factors influencing depression in older people.
The topic seem to be gaining attention when the aging population is on the rise. According to the 2002 US census, more than 35 million individuals aged 65 years and above comprise the Us population. The number is expected to double by 2030 as the baby boomer generation enters old age. An extensive survey by WHO that involved more than 83000 people from 57 countries showed that ageism is widespread. More than eighty percent of older adults reported having experienced some form of discrimination.
While ageism contributes to the risk of older adults experiencing depression, it is the same bias that limits them from accessing appropriate health care and support for depression and other mental disorders. Because of the misconception that depression is normal at old age, many cases often go untreated. Older people are made to believe that they are weak and that their bodies should hurt. As a result, they are timid about seeking treatment about their mental health issues. And when they get the help, the treatment is often focused on addressing the physical conditions. Untreated depression often results in declined physical and mental wellbeing.
Health care providers have also fallen into the ageism trap. Within the health care system, older patients are branded as “bed-blockers” and are viewed as weak, incompetent, dependent, and unworthy of the health care services. This perception often influences how the providers treat the older patients and the decisions they make regarding their health conditions. According to reports, only one in six older patients receives a correct diagnosis regarding their mental health.
Combating ageism demands a systematic approach that will focus on educating society as a whole. Ageism should be discussed in schools, in the office, and our homes. Health care providers should change their biased approach when dealing with older patients. When an older patient receives the attention they need, it benefits both their physical and mental health. But most importantly, change begin with us as individuals. We must re-evaluate our beliefs about the aging process and change our attitude regarding these negative stereotypes at a personal level.
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