Acknowledgements and disclaimer
Welcome
Welcome to the WA Country Health Service and WA Primary Health Alliance Ageism module. This module has been developed by funding from the Australian Government Primary Health Network (PHN) Program.
This learning resource has been produced to facilitate awareness of ageism and promote positive change in how we think about ageing and what it means to be an older version of ourselves. Ageism and stereotypical views of older people can lead to prejudiced attitudes, devaluing older people and social exclusion.
This module addresses the issue of ageism towards older people; the negative attitudes towards getting older and towards older people; the different categories of ageism and it explores how we carry our personal beliefs, experience and perceptions about ageing and how people can be better supported to age healthily in place.
Questions about this resource can be directed to the WACHS learning and Development team by email to WACHStraining@health.wa.gov.au. Feedback can be provided via the evaluation link at the end of this product.
This program is appropriate for all levels of staff working across the continuum of care in health and for any community members. It supports healthy ageing, addresses prevention and aims to improve attitudes towards ageing to support better health outcomes for older people.
Learning outcomes
What will I be learning and why?
This module will help you identify, understand and challenge ageist beliefs and behaviours as they occur in your home, workplace or community.
On completing this module, you will be able to:
- Define ageism
- Identify ageist beliefs and behaviours
- Identify common stereotypes about ageing and older people
- Understand how ageism impacts older people
- Identify ways in which ageism can be challenged and positive ageing promoted
- Commit to taking action in personal, family and work life to promote a more positive culture towards ageing
Introduction
What is ageism?
What is ageism?
Ageism, like other “isms,” is prejudice and discrimination against individuals or groups because of age. Unlike other “isms,” however, ageism is something many of us will experience at some time in our lives.
but we just need some 'young blood'.
Old people kissing. That's gross.
COVID only kills old people.
old folk ever use your heating?
to see those wrinkles.
I'm just having a senior's moment.
Mum's money eventually anyway.
Definitions and categories
The World Health Organisation defines ageism as:
‘Stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age; ageism can take many forms, including prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory practices, or institutional policies and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs.’
Ageist beliefs and behaviours can be:
How ageist are you?
Take the two-minute Am I Ageist Quiz to find out (this will take you to an external website).
Positive attitudes toward older people
What does a positive culture towards ageism look like?
This module aims to promote positive attitudes toward older people. Select the most appropriate ending to each of the concept statements below:
Level 1: Beginner
Identify ageist beliefs and behaviours
Level 1: Beginner
Click on each person in the community to listen and work through their stories.
Categories of ageism
Remember that ageism can be interpersonal, institutional or internalised. Drag each example below into the relevant box on the right.
Jude’s doctor gives her the impression that she is ‘too old to treat’.Beth dismisses her symptoms: “It’s just old age”.Emergency staff ‘can’t be bothered’ looking into Li Wei’s medical history.Age limits on disease prevention screening programs.Lights in a dementia facility are unable to be dimmed.The remote area nurse assumes Amy has dementia.Claire’s specialist says that she’s ‘too old’ for a mastectomy to matter.Level 1 completed
Congratulations on completing Level 1.
Level 2: Intermediate
Understand the impact of ageism
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.
Watch the short video below to hear how ageism impacts on Jeanette's experience of Alzheimer's.
Level 2: Intermediate
Click on each person in the community to listen and understand possible impacts of ageism.
Level 2 completed
Congratulations on completing Level 2.
Level 3: Advanced
Challenge ageism and apply concepts of positive ageing
Level 3: Advanced
Click on each person in the community to challenge ageism and apply concepts of positive ageing.
Building a better community
You may have noticed that as you progressed through this module, the community depicted in the images became more vibrant - with more places for all generations to sit, socialise and live life to the fullest. There are many ways our communities could be more liveable, safer and more compassionate.
Watch the short video from the Compassionate Communities workshop below for ideas on how to build a better community.
Level 3 completed
Congratulations on completing Level 3.
Commit to action
Are you ready to commit to action?
What can I do?
Imagine a world where all older adults are respected and included.
1. Select a setting where you would like to see positive approaches to ageing applied:
2. Choose some of the positive approaches on your list and describe how they would look.
3. What one thing will you commit to doing to challenge ageism?
You have passed the module - but you're not quite finished!
Launch and complete the reflective practice activity tool to:
- reflect on the application of this learning to your workplace
- provide feedback on the program
- register your completion of this program in the LMS
Congratulations
Identifying, understanding and challenging ageist beliefs and behaviours (AC20 EL2)
Congratulations! You have successfuly completed this module on challenging ageism. Before you exit the module you might like to:
- Print or save the notes or positive approaches you have collected throughout this module.
- Explore the resources and further reading.
- Complete a short evaluation of the module. Your feedback is appreciated.
Your certificate
You can now safely close this browser tab.
