Ageism | OHSU (2024)

FAQs

What are the three levels of ageism? ›

"Ageism can operate both consciously (explicitly) and unconsciously (implicitly), and it can be expressed at three different levels: micro-level (individual), meso-level (social networks) and macro-level (institutional and cultural).

Fighting ageism year-round

Education: Learn about ageism, its impact, and how it manifests in society. Recognize that it affects people of all ages. Self-awareness: Reflect on your own biases and assumptions about age. Challenge stereotypes and prejudices you may hold.

Elderspeak. “Elderspeak” is a specific example of ageism wherein healthcare providers and caregivers communicate with older patients in a patronizing manner.

OHSU is committed to providing inclusive patient care and will not exclude or treat people differently based on any protected class.

But the general consensus seems to be that you are officially “old” somewhere in your mid-70s. “For a 64 year old, the estimated perceived onset of old age was 74.7 years,” according to the study.

The most frequent type of ageism, reported by 58 percent, was Item 1: "I was told a joke that pokes fun at old people."

Difficulties in Proving Age Discrimination Claims

In non-termination cases—an older employee is demoted, or shut out of team projects more likely to lead to promotions or bonuses that are offered to younger workers—evidence can be scarce, making them difficult to prove.

Ageism is a type of bias based on a person's age. It can take three main forms: Stereotypes, or preconceived beliefs about the ways age affects interests, personality, and abilities. Prejudice, which might involve feelings of disdain, dislike, pity, and irritation.

Referring to their mistakes as " senior moments." Saying they can't wear certain clothes, go places, or do activities because they're "too old." Blaming their health problems on their age.

When we talk about ageism, people often think of overt acts such as older people being explicitly told they are dressed “inappropriately ” for their age, or an employer refusing to hire someone for a job because of their age.

What are 4 examples of how an ageist attitude can impact an older person? ›

Among older people, ageism is associated with poorer physical and mental health, increased social isolation and loneliness, greater financial insecurity, decreased quality of life and premature death.

OHSU policy strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on any protected characteristic. Prohibited discrimination, harassment and retaliation can occur between many different types of people including: Employees and managers.

Former OHSU doctor wins $4 million jury verdict against OHSU in sex discrimination case. OHSU has had so many sexist and sexual issues in the last few years, it's kinda horrifying. Though, I'm assuming it happens at other hospitals, too, we just don't hear about it because things stay in local news.

Oregon nurse is charged, accused of swapping patients' fentanyl with tap water. MEDFORD — A former nurse at a southern Oregon hospital is facing criminal charges that she harmed nearly four dozen patients by stealing fentanyl and replacing it with nonsterile tap water in intravenous drips.

Although there are different ways to classify this population, some studies have classified elderly adults between the ages of 65 and 74 years as youngest-old, those between ages 75 and 84 years as middle-old, and those aged over 85 years as oldest-old [5].

Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.

Some people consider aging to simply be a state of mind, and others go by how the mind and body naturally change over time. In broader terms, aging can be broken down into three distinct and often related categories: biological aging, psychological aging, and social aging.

Delirium and depression can cause cognitive changes that may be mistaken for dementia. Delirium can also be superimposed on dementia, particularly in older hospitalized patients. Clinicians and caregivers need to learn to distinguish the differences.