Ageism: a silent but preventable evil – The New Indian Express
Posted: February 10, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Everything matched my occupational profile. But nevertheless I received a rejection because of my age. Born 1943, not stout and fat, not lazy and sluggish but instead still energetic and fit. On one hand, people talk about skilled worker shortage and on the other hand, being 65-plus year one has no choice.
This was a little excerpt picked up from an informal conversation between two men where one of them was quite dissatisfied with the rejection in a particular job interview.
This statement manifests features of ageism, still deeply rooted in the dynamics of our so called progressive society. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Ageism as the stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination towards people on the basis of age. Described in 1969 by Gerontologist Robert Neil Butler, it gradually separated itself as an independent construct from racism and sexism. In this article, emphasis will be laid on the ageism directed at the greying population.
There are 600 million people who are 60 and older in the world and the number is expected to double by 2025. While medical science has advanced and is majorly contributing towards extending lifespan, it is sad that not much has been done to study the societal attitude about old age and the process of aging in general. It comes as no surprise that ageism is the most common form of prevalent prejudice. Ageism has diverse implications. It can be felt in a 70-year old ladys words, Depression is a part of the process of ageing or when an old father complains about being a burden to his children. Its impact can be felt in the arenas of employment, health care and various other spheres as well. One sector largely contaminated by ageist views is the employment sector.
The Hollywood comedy The Intern interestingly portrays the story of a retired top executive seeking an internship at a startup company. His daily interactions with his younger colleagues, the initial challenges of not being taken seriously in this new tech-based organisation, coupled with his gradual overcoming of the ageist bias, amazingly captures the movies punch line Experience never gets old. In an era where corporate workforce is so heavily dominated by the youth, it has often become very difficult for the Baby Boomers or Gen-X to make their mark in this realm. Older employees are often looked down upon by the employers even if they are in no way less efficient, productive and healthy than their younger counterparts.
Theyre often shifted or promoted to less important roles of the company just as a way to bide or pass their time until they retire. Ageism manifests itself in very subtle ways but can lead to low self-esteem in older adults. The course of correcting a wrong begins with the realisation that a problem exists. For ageism to be accepted as a real problem, we need to talk about it much like we talk about sexism and any other form of discrimination.
Organisations that sincerely want to reach their full potential and improve retention and productivity must strive to create equitable workplaces where all workers irrespective of age, gender or any other difference, feel valued and respected. Behind this subtle yet powerful discrimination are a series of myths associated with age. Older workers are often perceived to be technologically inept, resistant to change, less innovative and adaptable.
However, what is clearly overlooked is the fact that older workers have much more experience, not just of a particular field but of life in general. This makes them a much-needed pillar of support for any organisation that is looking to create a stable and sustainable future for itself. Older workers are also much more likely to stay in a job. The impact of Ageism is also felt quite intensely in the health services in our country.
Older people are often perceived as bed-blockers, draining our precious resources. Older patients are often seen as frail, ill, dependent and incompetent. This sort of perception has been shown to affect physicians decisions, leading them to be less likely to diagnose a disorder and therefore less likely to treat the older person. This unconscious bias often goes under-recognised. As a result, both the physical and mental health-care needs of older people are not being met. Research has shown only 1 in 6 older people with depression receive a diagnosis.
A lot miss out on the chance of receiving psychological services, even though this type of treatment has been shown to be as effective for them as the younger adults. We recently passed October 1, marked by WHO as the World Elder Day. To combat the issues of ageism, we need to revolutionise attitudes and challenge the negative stereotypes. Within health and social care, there is an exigent need for a more informed workforce, one which recognizes the different ways mental health problems manifests themselves in the older adults and the benefits of treatment. By society, we mean every single one of us. Age is universal and it is high time we initiated the positive change for our collective future. Change begins with us. To quote Butler, Ageism is a preventable but silent and repetitive killer.
(Chehak Gidwani, psychology student at LSR, New Delhi,contributed to the article).
DR. DEBANJAN BANERJEE,Geriatric Psychiatrist,NIMHANS, Bangalore dr.djan88@gmail.com
Original post:
Ageism: a silent but preventable evil - The New Indian Express
- Shaw never considered Man Utd exit after being publicly criticised by Mourinho - Goal.com - February 13th, 2021
- Work addiction can be harmful to mental health - The Conversation UK - February 13th, 2021
- A minute with Mike Papapavlou Guitar World Magazine's Guitar Teacher of The Year - Cyprus Mail - February 13th, 2021
- Feeling stressed? | Health-and-fitness | taosnews.com - taosnews - February 13th, 2021
- Here's how you can build up immunity and stay healthy - India Today - February 13th, 2021
- Does Prior Exposure to Coronaviruses Protect You? | In the Pipeline - Science Magazine - February 13th, 2021
- Students rely on hobbies to maintain mental health during pandemic - GW Hatchet - February 13th, 2021
- Switzerland County to crown this years Winter Homecoming royalty - Vevay Newspapers - February 13th, 2021
- Exclusive: Bhabiji's Shubhangi Atre gets a love note from husband for Valentines day; also reveals how ' - Times of India - February 13th, 2021
- Homophobia: Definition, effects on health, seeking help, and more - Medical News Today - February 13th, 2021
- Remembering Indra Bir Singh, a Consummate Geologist and Bold Thinker - The Wire Science - February 13th, 2021
- Givers and takers of charity - The Sunday Guardian Live - The Sunday Guardian - February 13th, 2021
- Semple: Our future is on trial, but no need to worry the jury - Aspen Daily News - February 13th, 2021
- Pregnancy: Understanding the role of relationships, and mental health for healthy conception - Times Now - February 13th, 2021
- Djokovic against the rest of the world - The Press Stories - February 13th, 2021
- Analysis: What format should the 2021 Leaving Cert take? - Irish Examiner - February 13th, 2021
- Ten-year-old spreads positivity with weekly 'paudcast' - RTE.ie - February 3rd, 2021
- The unknown impact of living a virtual life - MU The Parthenon - February 3rd, 2021
- What were Lancaster students' New Year's resolutions and have they kept them? - The Tab - February 3rd, 2021
- 12-Second Tactic: How to Train Your Brain To Be More Positive - Science Times - February 3rd, 2021
- Horoscopes The Simpsonian - The Simpsonian - February 3rd, 2021
- Mental Health Access Is Lacking for Oregon's Growing Latinx Community, Study Shows - Willamette Week - February 3rd, 2021
- Trapped at home during the coronavirus pandemic? Heres how parents can get through challenging moments - The Conversation CA - February 3rd, 2021
- Leeds United 1-2 Everton - GrandOldTeam - February 3rd, 2021
- Castleford Tigers Women aiming to develop more mental toughness for 2021 season - Pontefract and Castleford Express - February 3rd, 2021
- Jalen Hurts doing what he needs to do to take off in 2021 - NBC Sports - February 3rd, 2021
- The gentle act of pottering can give the mental break we crave - Sydney Morning Herald - February 3rd, 2021
- Activist seeks seat on Gloversville council - The Daily Gazette - February 3rd, 2021
- Mental health: I was drowning and it was the scariest time of my life - The Irish Times - February 3rd, 2021
- How to Improve Your Mental Health with Nature? - Love Belfast - February 3rd, 2021
- Letters to the editor, Feb. 2, 2021 | | kelownadailycourier.ca - The Daily Courier - February 3rd, 2021
- Budget 2021: Where Are the Smart Cities and Urban Employment Guarantee, FM and PM? - NewsClick - February 3rd, 2021
- Banbury Early Years students tackle world problems through project-based learning projects - Banbury Guardian - February 3rd, 2021
- Psychology and Jesus: Coping in changing times, the dangers of isolation - Standard-Times - October 19th, 2020
- The Meaning of Resilience - Shepherd Express - October 19th, 2020
- China Metallurgical : Guo Wenqing Visits the National Bobsleigh and Tobogganing Center Project for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics - Marketscreener.com - October 19th, 2020
- How can I deal with online bullying and trolls? Daniel Howell and LGBTQ YouTubers share tips and advice - attitude.co.uk - October 19th, 2020
- AROUND HASTINGS: Think positive to reduce anxiety - St. Augustine Record - October 19th, 2020
- Glasgow teenager scores top 10 Billboard chart hit in USA from his bedroom - Glasgow Live - October 19th, 2020
- The Klarna Clothes Love All campaign will make you rethink your wardrobe - British GQ - October 19th, 2020
- Dealing with mental health is a collective responsibility - Free Malaysia Today - October 19th, 2020
- How Is Facial Aging Affected by The Jaw? - Longevity LIVE - Longevity LIVE - October 19th, 2020
- Editorial: 'No' on Prop 20, but some of its criminal justice law tweaks should be adopted - Desert Sun - October 19th, 2020
- Virgin Media reveal their daily chat show Elaine will be taking a break this week - The Irish Sun - October 19th, 2020
- Expert tips to keep you motivated with fitness - Doncaster Free Press - October 19th, 2020
- Hunt's experience shines through as Kaizer Chiefs get the start they so badly needed - Goal.com - October 19th, 2020
- Digital literacy is hindering the adoption of digital interventions to support children's mental health amid pandemic. - PharmiWeb.com - October 19th, 2020
- MENTAL HEALTH SPECIAL SECTION: The elephant in the room: stigma surrounding mental illness - Therogersvillereview - October 19th, 2020
- t is good to give thanks to the Lord, part 2 - Bryan County News - October 19th, 2020
- Coronavirus pushes classroom online leaving teachers to find new ways to connect with students - Fox News - October 19th, 2020
- Anti-bullying attitude important every day NZ education expert - India Education Diary - October 19th, 2020
- Andrey Rublev's stunning turnaround: Is the Russian punching above his weight, or is he the real deal? - Sportskeeda - October 19th, 2020
- Be positive to keep good mental health amid Covid - Daily Pioneer - September 24th, 2020
- Diamond Vogel Announces 2021 Color Of The Year, Annual 2021 Color Trend Report - Coatings World Magazine - September 24th, 2020
- Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference - Myjoyonline.com - September 24th, 2020
- Netball prodigy Ainsley Puleiata rebounds from injury and targets Silver Ferns - Stuff.co.nz - September 24th, 2020
- Finding Their Way / Senior girls crack starting lineup for Hauser soccer team - The Republic - September 15th, 2020
- The male menopause and mental health | Health - Jamaica Gleaner - September 15th, 2020
- Movember & Fox Sports Join Forces On Mental Health - B&T - September 15th, 2020
- The Ten Movies You Need To Watch In Order To Be More Successful - KLUV - September 15th, 2020
- Your horoscope for the week ahead: The New Moon in Virgo activates a healing energy - CBC.ca - September 15th, 2020
- Heart attack patients with hostile attitudes have poorer health outcomes, study finds - ConsumerAffairs - September 15th, 2020
- Staying ready amid COVID-19 - Galion Inquirer - September 15th, 2020
- Tia Blanco the Champion Surfer is Launching her Vegan Beauty Line - The Beet - September 15th, 2020
- Maisie Williams talks Success and her role in this Empowered Generation - Prestige Online - September 15th, 2020
- TV star Aidy Smith wrote to Santa asking to be 'normal' as he battled Tourette symdrome - Mirror Online - September 15th, 2020
- The UK has experienced an explosion in anxiety since 2008 and this study says it affects women more - woman&home - September 15th, 2020
- Dave McCabe and Stolen City steal the show on Late Late - RTE.ie - September 15th, 2020
- Celebrity Therapist Jeff Rocker On Black Men Dealing With Anxiety And Depression Amid COVID-19 - Black Enterprise - September 15th, 2020
- How I Manage my Money: pensioner's advice on how she manages her money inspired lockdown Brits - iNews - September 15th, 2020
- Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Harry Maguire have embarrassed England and Gareth Southgate has a huge job on his hands - Euro Fantasy League - September 15th, 2020
- Resilience is the key: A clinical psychotherapist talks about mental health on World Suicide Prevention Day - YourStory - September 15th, 2020
- 45 Inspirational Growth Mindset Quotes That Unveil The Power Of Positive Thinking - YourTango - September 15th, 2020
- Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month Using Technology to Decrease Suicide Ideations and Attempts in Correctional Facilities - Yahoo Finance - September 15th, 2020
- 'As We Think Ahead to the Fall, It's Very Scary': Local Businesses Prepare for Uncertain Months Ahead - hobokengirl.com - September 15th, 2020
- First-year soccer player takes on challenge of ROTC program - Marquette Wire - September 15th, 2020
- Peter: the Human Cyborg, review: the only problem with this inspiring film was that it ended too soon - Telegraph.co.uk - September 2nd, 2020
- Dictionary.com adds Black, as it refers to a person, in massive update around definitions that reflect culture, identity, and race - WDJT - September 2nd, 2020
- Coronavirus Scotland: Mental health hubs saved lives during lockdown and we cannot afford to lose them - The Scottish Sun - September 2nd, 2020
- Were All Being Tested in 2020 But We Are Americans - Rush Limbaugh - September 2nd, 2020