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Fitzpatrick N, O'Neill D. Stereotypes and benevolent ageism: Lessons from Tatie Danielle. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:2888-2890. [PMID: 36855250 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neasa Fitzpatrick
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Desmond O'Neill
- Centre for Ageing, Neuroscience and the Humanities, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Allen JO, Sikora N. Aging Stigma and the Health of US Adults Over 65: What Do We Know? Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:2093-2116. [PMID: 38116457 PMCID: PMC10729833 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s396833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative review assessed the current state of research on aging stigma and health relevant to US adults ages 65 and older. We adopted a stigma framework to highlight aging stigma as a meaningful social construct and the complex ways in which it may be harmful for health. We identified 29 studies of various types (experimental, intervention, cross-sectional quantitative, longitudinal quantitative, and qualitative) published between 2010 and 2023 that investigated relationships between concepts related to aging stigma and health. Aging stigma was associated with poor short- and long-term health outcomes spanning cognition, psychological wellbeing, physical health, and hospitalizations. The premise that aging stigma is harmful to health was moderately well supported, while evidence that health influenced aging stigma was weak. Collectively, studies provided insight into several mechanisms through which aging stigma may affect the health of older US adults, while also highlighting areas for future research. Potential strategies for addressing aging stigma as a public health hazard were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ober Allen
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
- Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nadine Sikora
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
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3
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Voice your values, a tailored advance care planning intervention in persons living with mild dementia: A pilot study. Palliat Support Care 2022; 21:445-453. [PMID: 35481452 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the early stage of dementia, persons living with dementia (PLwD) can identify their values and wishes for future care with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. However, there is a paucity of research to guide best practices on how best to incorporate advance care planning (ACP) in older adults diagnosed with mild dementia and therefore only a minority of these individuals participate in any ACP discussions. We developed an intervention called Voice Your Values (VYV) that healthcare professionals can implement to identify and document the values of PLwD and their trusted individuals such as friends or family. PURPOSE This single-group pre-test and post-test design aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the VYV intervention. METHODS A convenience sample of 21 dyads of PLwD and their trusted individuals were recruited from five outpatient geriatric clinics. The tailored VYV intervention was delivered to the dyads over two sessions using videoconferencing. RESULTS In terms of feasibility, the recruitment rate was lower (52%) than the expected 60%; the retention rate was high at 94%, and the intervention fidelity was high based on the audit of 20% of the sessions. In terms of preliminary efficacy, PLwD demonstrated improvement in ACP engagement (p = <0.01); trusted individuals showed improvements in decision-making confidence (p = 0.01) and psychological distress (p = 0.02); whereas a minimal change was noted in their dementia knowledge (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION Most of the feasibility parameters were met. A larger sample along with a control group, as well as a longitudinal study, are requisite to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of the promising VYV intervention. There is emerging evidence that people living with mild dementia can effectively participate in identifying and expressing their values and wishes for future care.
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4
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Fernandes JB, Ramos C, Domingos J, Castro C, Simões A, Bernardes C, Fonseca J, Proença L, Grunho M, Moleirinho-Alves P, Simões S, Sousa-Catita D, Vareta DA, Godinho C. Addressing Ageism-Be Active in Aging: Study Protocol. J Pers Med 2022; 12:354. [PMID: 35330354 PMCID: PMC8954157 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageism refers to stereotyping (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) against people based on their age. It is a serious public health issue that can negatively impact older people's health and quality of life. The present protocol has several goals: (1) adapt the Ambivalent Ageism Scale for the general Portuguese population and healthcare professionals; (2) assess the factorial invariance of the questionnaire between general population vs. healthcare professionals; (3) evaluate the level of ageism and its predictors in the general population and evaluate the level of ageism and its predictors in healthcare professionals; (4) compare the levels of ageism between groups and the invariance between groups regarding the explanatory model of predictors of ageism. This quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study will be developed in partnership with several Healthcare Professional Boards/Associations, National Geriatrics and Gerontology Associations, and the Universities of the Third Age Network Association. The web-based survey will be conducted on a convenience sample recruited via various social media and institutional channels. The survey consists of three questionnaires: (1) Demographic data; (2) Ambivalent Ageism Scale; (3) Palmore-Neri and Cachioni questionnaire. The methodology of this study will include translation, pilot testing, semantic adjustment, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and multigroup analysis of the Ambivalent Ageism Scale. Data will be treated using International Business Machines Corporation (IBM®) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). Descriptive analysis will be conducted to assess the level of ageism in the study sample. The ageism levels between the two groups will be compared using the t-student test, and two Structural Equation Modeling will be developed to evaluate the predictors of ageism. Assessing ageism is necessary to allow healthcare professionals and policymakers to design and implement strategies to solve or reduce this issue. Findings from this study will generate knowledge relevant to healthcare and medical courses along with anti-ageism education for the Portuguese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Catarina Ramos
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- LabPSI, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Josefa Domingos
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Cidália Castro
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Aida Simões
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Catarina Bernardes
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Jorge Fonseca
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Garcia de Orta EPE (HGO), 2805-267 Almada, Portugal
| | - Luís Proença
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Miguel Grunho
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, 2805-267 Almada, Portugal
| | - Paula Moleirinho-Alves
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Sleep and Temporomandibular Disorder Department, Cuf Tejo Hospital, 1350-352 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Simões
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Diogo Sousa-Catita
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Diana Alves Vareta
- Department of Nursing, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, 2900-182 Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Catarina Godinho
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
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5
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Crutzen C, Adam S. "What if It's not Just an Item of Clothing?" - A Narrative Review and Synthesis of the White Coat in the Context of Aged Care. Psychol Belg 2022; 62:62-74. [PMID: 35291725 PMCID: PMC8877653 DOI: 10.5334/pb.1138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although increasingly disputed, the white coat uniform is ubiquitous in geriatric care, which may reflect a phenomenon called medicalisation of ageing. This narrative review is the first attempt at integrating several theoretical approaches, such as the "white coat effect" and "enclothed cognition", in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of this clothing item. Based on extensive empirical evidence, we will examine the consequences of wearing a uniform, not only on patients (in this case, older patients) and healthcare professionals, but also on their relationship. The white coat has powerful symbolic functions for healthcare professionals and is still preferred by older adults. However, the negative repercussions of wearing a uniform require us to question its use, particularly in environments where older persons live, such as nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Crutzen
- Psychology of Aging Unit, University of Liège (B63C), Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Adam
- Psychology of Aging Unit, University of Liège (B63C), Liège, Belgium
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6
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Law J, Dahlke S, Butler JI, Hunter KF, Martin LS, Pietrosanu M. Improving practicing nurses' knowledge and perceptions of older people: a quasi-experimental study. Int J Nurs Educ Scholarsh 2022; 19:ijnes-2022-0090. [PMID: 36473144 DOI: 10.1515/ijnes-2022-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine if an e-learning module about understanding and communicating with older people can improve practicing nurses' ageist perceptions about older people. METHODS We used a quasi-experimental pre-post-test design. Participants completed a 13-item Ambivalent Ageism Scale before and after completing the Understanding and Communicating with Older People e-learning module as well as a Likert-style feedback survey with the option for written feedback on an open-ended question. RESULTS Pre-post-test comparisons indicated a statistically significant decrease in ageist attitudes and self-reported increases in knowledge and confidence in working with older people. Qualitative analysis of written feedback revealed that most participants felt the module enhanced their understanding of older people. CONCLUSIONS The e-learning activity has the potential to improve practicing nurses' knowledge and perceptions about working with older people and is likely to be associated with better patient-level outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Law
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sherry Dahlke
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey I Butler
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,School of Nursing, York University Centre for Aging Research and Education, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleen F Hunter
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lori Schindel Martin
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew Pietrosanu
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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7
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Janssen LM, Flores V, Cao J. A North Star for Gerontology: Using the Threshold Concept Framework to Transform Ageism Education. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 62:797-802. [PMID: 34569599 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Threshold concepts are fundamental to the learning process and are said to transform the way we view and understand the world around us. Although a new framework to gerontology, the threshold concept framework has been utilized in many fields inside (e.g., psychology, social work) and outside (e.g., clinical and research settings) of academia. This framework facilitates understanding learning, exposing expert blind-spots, and designing curricula for complex concepts that are challenging to learn. For decades gerontologists have grappled with ageism and its dire consequences including unemployment, negative health outcomes, and rationing of health care. Education is one of, if not the most, powerful tools to combat ageism. This paper demonstrates the utility of the threshold concept framework for gerontologists by conceptualizing ageism as a threshold concept. The purpose of this article is to provide an innovative approach to education on complex gerontological topics in different clinical, research, and educational settings using ageism as a primary example of a threshold concept in gerontology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Janssen
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Valerie Flores
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Jiawei Cao
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
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8
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Dukes C, Dahlke S, Pietrosanu M, Kalogirou MR. Improving student nurses' perspectives towards older people with an e-learning activity: A quasi-experimental pre-post design. Int J Older People Nurs 2021; 17:e12425. [PMID: 34553494 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite older people being the largest demographic accessing health care, nurses often lack knowledge about how to work with them and may hold ageist perceptions towards them. Previous research has identified the gaps in their education program and offered suggestions on what and how to fill those gaps in education related to older people. E-learning activities to fill these gaps were developed. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine if nursing students' perceptions about older people could be improved through an e-learning activity focused on communication and understanding older people. METHODS A quasi-experimental pre-post design was used to test whether the understanding and communication with older people e-learning activity improved student nurses' perceptions about older people. A feedback survey was also analyzed using descriptive statistics to understand students' perceptions of the learning activity. RESULTS There was a statistically significant decrease in participant's negative perceptions towards older people after completing the e-learning activity. Participants enjoyed the activity and believed that it improved their knowledge of older people, their confidence in working with older people, and their perceptions about older people. CONCLUSIONS The strength of the e-learning activity in this study is that the educator need not be an expert in order to use the activity in their course. In this way, knowledge about older people is facilitated despite the dearth of nurse educators with gerontological expertise. More research to test this activity in other universities is needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Improved understanding and communicating with older people could improve person-centered-care. The flexible delivery of this learning activity could facilitate practicing nurses understanding and communication strategies if offered to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Dukes
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sherry Dahlke
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew Pietrosanu
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maya R Kalogirou
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Sublett JF, Vale MT, Bisconti TL. Expanding Benevolent Ageism: Replicating Attitudes of Overaccommodation to Older Men. Exp Aging Res 2021; 48:220-233. [PMID: 34429042 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2021.1968666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Older adults are stereotyped in a paternalistic manner (warm, but incompetent), deserving of assistance regardless of their need; however, little is known about how gender contextualizes these attitudes. The purpose of this study was to extend previous work that examined the malleability of the paternalistic older adult stereotype using a two-part experimental vignette. The goals of the current study included: (1) to examine attitudes of benevolent ageist behavior toward a male target, (2) to confirm whether attributions made toward an older male target change if they defy or confirm the paternalistic stereotype, and (3) to examine the distinct roles of age and gender on an act of benevolent ageism. Method: In prior work, a female target was offered unnecessary assistance, which is replicated in the current study with a male target. The age (young vs. old), response (accepting vs. declining assistance), and gender (male vs. female) of the target were manipulated and then rated by a young adult sample (N = 698). Results: Our findings replicated earlier work in that overaccommodative behaviors were endorsed more so for the older target than the younger target, which corroborates support for the Stereotype Content Model in that older adults are viewed paternalistically. Additionally, the older male target and the older female target were viewed differently when they respectively defied the paternalistic stereotype indicating distinctness between benevolent ageism and benevolent sexism. Conclusions: These findings add to the growing body of benevolent ageism literature and highlight the intersection of gender and age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael T Vale
- Department of Psychology, University of Akron, Akron, United States
| | - Toni L Bisconti
- Department of Psychology, University of Akron, Akron, United States
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10
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Dahlke S, Hunter KF. Harnessing nursing to diminish ageism. Int J Older People Nurs 2021; 17:e12417. [PMID: 34420260 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The common practice of making fun of aging and older people demonstrates that ageism towards older people is socially acceptable. It is so accepted that even those of us who are aging or have moved into the 'third act' believe and fear the negative stereotypes that growing old is linked with physical and mental deterioration, dependence, and less social value. Ageism is evident in work places, family relationships, when older people purchase goods and services, in health and social institutions and extends throughout professions that work with older people. OBJECTIVES We explore how nurses-the largest group of healthcare professions- may be inadvertently perpetuating negative perceptions about older people in nursing practice, nursing education, and through common misconceptions about what gerontological nursing means. METHODS This is discussion paper using the literature. RESULTS We suggest that nursing education is well situated to diminish negative perspectives of ageing by incorporating theories of life-course and harmonious aging into the holistic perspective of individuals that nursing is well known for. CONCLUSIONS Greater understanding about the diversity of ageing and the context that have influenced older persons could encourage nurses to treat them holistically with dignity, which would ultimately improve older people's experiences. Improving older persons' experiences is like paying it forward, as we all are ageing and if we are to have a different experience when we are old, it is necessary to diminish stereotypes about ageing, and work towards inclusion of older people in social and healthcare institutions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE It is important for nurses, particularly those in nursing education, to support the incorporation of a life course and harmonious view of aging in which the social, political, and environmental context of individuals are viewed as part of the difference of ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Dahlke
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, USA
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11
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Barth N, Guyot J, Fraser SA, Lagacé M, Adam S, Gouttefarde P, Goethals L, Bechard L, Bongue B, Fundenberger H, Célarier T. COVID-19 and Quarantine, a Catalyst for Ageism. Front Public Health 2021; 9:589244. [PMID: 33912526 PMCID: PMC8072107 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.589244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In February 2021, France had more than 76,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and older adults were heavily affected. Most measures taken to reduce the impact of COVID-19 (quarantine, visit ban in nursing home, etc.) significantly influenced the lives of older adults. Yet they were rarely consulted about their implementation. Exclusion of and discrimination against older adults has been accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many articles discussing COVID-19 also mention ageism, few actually incorporate the perspectives and opinions of older adults. Our research aims to assess the ageism experienced by older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted interviews with older adults (63–92 years, mean age = 76 years) in an urban area of France. Participants reported experiencing more ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic, including hostile and benevolent ageism from older adults' families. Despite reports of experiencing ageist attitudes and behaviors from others, however, older adults also identified positive signs of intergenerational solidarity during this COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Barth
- SAINBIOSE Laboratory U1059 INSERM, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chaire Santé des Ainés, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Gérontopole AURA, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jessica Guyot
- SAINBIOSE Laboratory U1059 INSERM, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chaire Santé des Ainés, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Sarah Anne Fraser
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martine Lagacé
- The Department of Communication, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stéphane Adam
- Unité de Psychologie de la Sénescence, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Luc Goethals
- SAINBIOSE Laboratory U1059 INSERM, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chaire Santé des Ainés, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Lauren Bechard
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Bienvenu Bongue
- SAINBIOSE Laboratory U1059 INSERM, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chaire Santé des Ainés, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Support and Education Technic Centre of Health Examination Centres (CETAF), Saint Etienne, France
| | - Hervé Fundenberger
- SAINBIOSE Laboratory U1059 INSERM, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Chaire Santé des Ainés, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Thomas Célarier
- Chaire Santé des Ainés, University of Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France.,Gérontopole AURA, Saint-Etienne, France.,Department of Clinical Gerontology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
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12
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Barrett AE, Michael C, Padavic I. Calculated Ageism: Generational Sacrifice as a Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:e201-e205. [PMID: 32841334 PMCID: PMC7499750 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Popular responses to the pandemic illustrate ageism’s pervasiveness and the extent of collective acquiescence to its newest expressions. We explore these themes by analyzing Twitter reactions to “calculated ageism” – a term we use to refer to a political figure’s edict that older adults should sacrifice their lives if it will mitigate the pandemic’s economic damage to younger people. Methods Using thematic analysis, we examine tweets (n=188) responding to Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s March 23, 2020, statement that encouraged generational self-sacrifice. Themes that emerged included positions of support or opposition and tweeters’ critiques. Results The large majority of tweets – 90 percent – opposed calculated ageism, while only 5 percent supported it and 5 percent conveyed no position. Opposition centered on moral critiques, political-economic critiques, assertions of older adults’ worth, and public health arguments. Support centered on individual responsibility and patriotism. Discussion While prior research reveals ageism to be solidly entrenched in popular culture, our study finds that limits prevail and identifies the reasons underlying them. The most common reasons for opposing calculated ageism center on its immorality and on its privileging of the economic interests of the powerful few over the many, patterns suggesting that the boundaries of ageism are influenced by core beliefs about fairness. They also are shaped by a bedrock conviction that older lives have value. This intergenerational solidarity could be leveraged to reduce ageism during the pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Barrett
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| | - Cherish Michael
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| | - Irene Padavic
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee
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13
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Vale MT, Stanley JT, Houston ML, Villalba AA, Turner JR. Ageism and Behavior Change During a Health Pandemic: A Preregistered Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:587911. [PMID: 33329247 PMCID: PMC7710520 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.587911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a suspected surge of ageism in America and has imposed critical health and safety behavior modifications for people of all ages (Ayalon et al., 2020; Lichtenstein, 2020). Given that older adults are a high-risk group, maintaining their safety has been paramount in implementing preventive measures (i.e., more handwashing, social distancing); however, making such behavior modifications might be contingent on how one views older adults (i.e., ageist stereotypes). Therefore, the goal of the current pre-registered study was to explore if hostile and benevolent ageism relate to pandemic-related fear and behavior change. An online survey assessing responses to the pandemic was taken by 164 younger and 171 older adults. Higher hostile ageism predicted lower pandemic-related behavior modification. Those high in benevolent ageism reported lower behavior change, but also reported higher pandemic-related fear; however, when pandemic-related fear was considered a mediator between the two, the directionality between benevolent ageism and behavior change switched, indicating a suppression effect. These findings highlight that ageist attitudes do predict responses to the pandemic and that hostile and benevolent ageism are distinct facets that have unique implications during a health pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Vale
- Department of Psychology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, United States
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