Question

Due to the increasing percentage of older adult clients in the U.S., it is imperative that healthcare providers assess and confront their own attitudes and perceptions toward older adults.

In your initial post, address the following:

1. Describe ageism and its impact on societal views of older adult clients.
2. Explain how ageism can influence the healthcare provisions of older adult clients.
3. As a healthcare provider, how can one best assess and confront attitudes, perceptions, behaviors, and biases toward older adults?

Answer 1

1. Ageism has harmful effects on the health of older adults .Research by Levy et al shows that older adults with negative attitudes about ageing may live 7.5 years less than those with positive attitudes. Ageism ha s been shown to cause cardiovascular stress, lowered levels of self efficacy and decreased productivity.

2. Ageism is the stereotyping,prejudice,and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Research has shown that ageism directed towards older adults has a negative impact on their health,well being,and quality of healthcare received.

3.