Ageism: Know it. Name it.

10-minute read

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Age doesn't define you

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What is ageism?

Ageism is

Stereotyping

Discrimination and

Mistreatment

Based solely on a person's age.

Ageism is everywhere...

... from our institutions and relationships to ourselves. For example, ageism is in policies that support healthcare rationing by age, practices that limit younger people's opportunities to contribute to decision-making in the workplace, patronising behaviour used in interactions with older and younger people, and in self-limiting behaviour, which can stem from internalised stereotypes about what a person of a given age can be or do.

These stories will take you through the impacts of ageism, what we can do to combat ageism and support healthy communities.

Story 1:

Beth

Beth is 82 years old.
She lives at home.

Beth hasn't been feeling well lately.
She is tired, has no appetite and a really sore back.

So she makes an appointment to see her doctor.

Her regular doctor is on leave so Beth sees another who is filling in. When the doctor asks Beth how she can help today, Beth tells her about her symptoms and adds

"I'm feeling foggy and forgetful but it's probably just old age".

The doctor nods, smiles and prescribes an anti-inflammatory medication for Beth's sore back.

Beth leaves the general practice feeling like the appointment was rushed.

I feel like the doctor didn't listen to me. I've had a sore back before and this feels different.

A few days later,
Beth is feeling very unwell.

She's hot and cold and can't get out of bed.

She calls the general practice and is advised to call an ambulance.

The paramedics arrive, assess Beth's situation and take her to the local emergency.

The emergency doctors listen to Beth as she tells them what's been happening.

Beth is diagnosed with gastritis (from the anti-inflammatory that she was taking on an empty stomach) and a urinary tract infection. She is treated with antibiotics and her medication reviewed.

Story 2:

Ayla

Ayla is a 28-year-old woman who works as a nurse at a busy general practice.

She's been working in primary health for almost a decade and loves her job. She's recently completed a couple of courses to keep her practice current and researches new trends and innovations.

And she mostly loves the people she works with...

When Brad started working at the general practice, he arrived at the induction session and directed all his questions to Gerri, an older woman, who was also starting that day.

When Gerri let him know that Ayla was the person running the session, he said...

Oh I thought you were one of the students!

Since then, Brad has constantly questioned Ayla's decisions and says things that make her feel belittled.

And powerless. And hurt.

This, plus the increased harassment from the general public around COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, is making Ayla feel increasingly anxious.

While at work, Ayla overhears Brad talking with the Practice Manager in the corridor...

...yeah she's enthusiastic but I think we really need to get someone with a little bit more experience.

There's a new position coming up next month that Ayla would love to apply for. It's more senior than her current role and involves leading a new project...

"Oh you're too young to know about that!"

"You'll figure it out when you're older!"

I know I have the skills and experience but my gut feeling is they'll think I'm too young.

Story 3:

Mark

Mark, a fit and healthy 75-year-old man, has gone to see his physiotherapist after a minor cycling injury.

The physio greets Mark, glances at his file and results and says:

"Oh wow! I would never have thought you were 75!".

He asks Mark about his injury and does a physical examination.

Your flexibility is pretty good for your age!

The physio gives Mark a couple of lightweight exercises. He opens the door, indicating that Mark can now leave.

I know my tolerance well. And those exercises won't help much.

Mark tells the physio that he would like to work on his fitness.

He wants to get back to cycling and return to his role as an emergency services volunteer in his community.

The physio is taken aback - but closes the door and has another look at Mark's ankle.

The Impact of Ageism

Ageism is associated with poor self-image, loneliness, reduced civic engagement and more frequent help-seeking.

At a societal level, ageism can influence policies that, without intending harm, can marginalise older adults, pushing them aside, so we no longer benefit from their participation in society.

It doesn't have to be like this.

Let's take a look...

Let's see what Beth is up to

After a week on her new treatment plan, Beth is feeling much better.

She's still not well enough to leave the house but at least now she can shower and make a cup of tea for herself.

A neighbour, Sally, pops around to drop off a casserole and check how Beth is going.

"How ya going Beth? You're looking so much better!

Now, I know you can't get about much at the moment so let me know what you need done."

"Oh I'm getting by, thanks Sally.

Perhaps you could pick up some milk and bread and maybe some fruit when you next go to the supermarket."

There is considerable evidence that having contact with people in older age groups, particularly higher quality contact, reduces the likelihood of ageism.

WHO, Global Report on Ageism.

As Beth looks for a pen for Sally, she apologises for the overflowing laundry basket they pass in the hall.

"That's as far as I got with my washing this week. I'm having a bit of difficulty reaching up to hang things out."

Sally replies, "Well if you want to pop it in the machine while I go to the shops, I'm happy to help hang it out when I come back. I may be able to lower the line to make it easier for you to get it in this afternoon."

Oh that would be wonderful thanks Sally. That way I could wear my favourite dress tomorrow.

I do love that dress. I can't wait to wear it again.

And what about Ayla?

Ayla talks to her friend Jola about applying for the new job.

"This new role is amazing but I'm worried they will think I am too young."

Jola is incredulous.

"Don't be ridiculous! You are so good at your job. You are so experienced. I could see you really shining in this new role."

When the Practice Manager emails Ayla the next day asking her to come and have a chat, she's cautiously optimistic.

Brad has been on leave so work has been a dream.

The Practice Manager and Owner greet Ayla enthusiastically and thank her for applying for the new position.

They talk about the new direction the general practice is going in and how this means they will be looking to diversify their outlook and start some exciting new projects.

Ayla is waiting for the "But..."

"And ... Ayla, we believe you are an integral part of our new direction.

You bring such a depth and breadth of experience and skills to everything you do here. We'd like you to head up our new project.

Would you be interested?"

Ayla also finds out that Brad has taken a new position outside of the general practice.

My day just got a whole lot better!

Ageism exists in our institutions, relationships and ourselves and exacerbates other forms of disadvantage like those related to sexism and racism.

WHO, Global Campaign to Combat Ageism.

And last but not least ...

Mark

Mark returns to the physio two weeks later.

"Hello Mark! How's that ankle going? Do you feel ready to get back to training?"

The physio examines Mark's ankle.

He then demonstrates and videos some exercises for Mark to continue strengthening his legs and work on his core to prevent future injuries on rides and when he's volunteering.

This time, as the physio opens the door for Mark to leave, he says...

"I see they've opened registrations for the Great Ocean Ride in September. Are you going to do it?"

Mark is a little uncertain, "Do you think my ankle will be up to it?"

"Your recovery has been fantastic Mark. Go for it."

This isn't the end of the story ... but the beginning of the journey ...

By recognising ageist stereotypes, discrimination and mistreatment in everyday life, we can break down barriers to connect, celebrate and support healthy communities for all ages.

Start your journey to combat ageism in your life now ...

This project is a collaborative approach between WA Country Health Service and WA Primary Health Alliance. This resource has been developed by funding from the Australian Government Primary Health Network (PHN) Program.

While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.

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