This detailed analysis focuses on the prevalent problem ageism and how it actively affects mental health among senior citizens. This discourse elaborates on the ageism and how it applies from a concept of defining what they are to its formations in healthcare, workplaces, or even societal norms. Attention is focused on the complicated dynamics between discriminatory conducts; disparities of mental health and systemic neglect all go unaddressed in addressing ageism for a healthy aging society.
Experiences of ageism and the mental health of older adults
In a conceptual framework, ageism is suggested to manifest in three distinct forms: Attitudes that are hostile to older adults, old age and aging process; attitudes intended for practices such as ill treatment or discrimination on the basis of a negative stereotypes about older persons. Studies show that experiences with different forms of discrimination, including racism sexism and homophobia have a profound effect on the health.
Women and nonheterosexual groups were more vulnerable to discrimination exposure throughout the younger years than men or heterosexuals at a group level (Lyons et al., 2017). The Critical Consciousness Theory (CCT) proposed that people who are discriminated against in some ways tend to be much better prepared for ageism when it occurs.
Old age mental health services form an essential and integral part of the delivery service. Although the majority of researchers agree that mental health services for older individuals should be based on their needs rather than age, this principle is often not followed. There are special mental healthcare needs for older adults that differ significantly from those of younger individuals, manifested by reduced psychosis and incidence of dementia. Conditions such as depression and neurotic disorders remain the same or worsen with age (Lyons et al., 2017). Previously, emphasis was placed on understanding discrimination based upon race and sexual orientations implying therefore that ageism as a social movement may not have grabbed the same awareness level of other forms of discriminations.
Ageism in healthcare creates an environment where care and treatment decisions for elderly patients may be made on the basis of age as opposed to a fair assessment of health requirements or demonstrable benefits (Villines, 2021). For example, older people with mental health problems are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants and less likely to refer them for talking therapies than younger adults.
The employees of an older age in the work environment may feel that they are considered to be too old for career advancements or training opportunities regarding skill development. This perception may even make some people to leave their jobs earlier than they had intended. Studies show a steep fall in the level of work done by people aged 50 to 60 years over the last two decades. It is noteworthy that the proportion of dissatisfied older employees rose from 22% to 35%, with significant increases in those who feel their workload was too high and they lack control over their jobs.
The prevalence of ageist sentiments was highlighted in a survey conducted by RSPH in 2018 that focused on attitudes towards aging and older individuals. Significantly, there was a general negative attitude towards intelligence with 47% of the respondents believing that older people have more problems learning new skills (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2018). Furthermore, almost two out of three people (64%) thought that the tendency to forget was a part and parcel of aging. Among the youth ages 18–24, half of these people believe that dementia is inevitable as one grows old.
Ageism in the Health Care System: Providers, Patients, and Systems
Ageism is prevalent in the clinical practice and decision-making of a healthcare system as well (Wyman et al., 2018). The use of hypothetical scenarios and retrospective analysis of patients' records has brought to the fore various differences in terms used diagnostics procedures as well as treatment alternatives based on age. Such age-dependent discrepancies have been reported by different medical specializations such as cardiology, oncology and stroke treatments. For example, a study in England revealed that although the prevalence of breast cancer was higher among older women (40% for those over 70 years), only 11% undertook physician-conducted screening tests for breast cancer (Wyman et al., 2018). However, as few 7% of participating physicians routinely conducted breast examinations on female patients with age over sixty.
It is projected that because of the steady increase in population above 65 years, there will be an approximate rise by third rate within fifteen (15) year to stand at approximately 4.3 million having mental issues as compared with this report; The highest growth is predicted for the number of people suffering from depression, but higher rates will also be seen in dementia cases. It is identified that close to a million people will have dementia in 2026 and even more, up to 1.8 million by the year of 2050. This also notable increase in the cases of dementia will lead to an immense spike in care spending, increasing from £23.8 billion 2007to about£34.7 billion by 216 (Mentalhealth 2022).
Direct discrimination against the old stratum implies any act that has an adverse effect on them due to their age and is not supported by other reasons. Indirect age discrimination is related to policies that, at first glance, seem completely impartial but in fact contribute to the disadvantage of older people (Mentalhealth., 2022). One such example is when mental health and social care services are organized in a way to meet the needs of younger generations while ignoring certain interests, preferences , or specific requirements that older people have.
In addition, first-time users of mental health services among older people could have a disadvantage in established service structures. In primary and secondary care, their problems may not be recognized or deemed part of the natural aging process instead of being targeted for interventions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the discussion about ageism unravels as a complicated carpet affecting different aspects of society specifically mental illness among older adults. The effects stretch from prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory practices to systemic failures in the healthcare sector as well as working environment. As we look into the future there will be an increase in mental health conditions among seniors which means that age-related inequities need to resolve. In order to have a more inclusive and equitable society, the fight against ageism is not just an ethical responsibility but also pay-off as we guarantee healthiness of our elders.
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References
Hayes, R., Jones, K., Clark, A. and Crosby, G. (2010). Ageism and age discrimination in mental health care in the United Kingdom A review from the literature commissioned by the Department of Health Centre for Policy on Ageing. [online] Available at: http://www.cpa.org.uk/information/reviews/CPA-ageism_and_age_discrimination_in_mental_health_care-report.pdf.
Lyons, A., Alba, B., Heywood, W., Fileborn, B., Minichiello, V., Barrett, C., Hinchliff, S., Malta, S. and Dow, B. (2017). Experiences of ageism and the mental health of older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 22(11), pp.1456–1464. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2017.1364347.
Mentalhealth (2022). All things being equal Age Equality in Mental Health Care for Older People in England. [online] Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-09/MHF-all-things-being-equal-report.pdf [Accessed 20 Jan. 2024].
Royal College of Psychiatrists (2018). Suffering in silence: age inequality in older people’s mental health care. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/improving-care/better-mh-policy/college-reports/college-report-cr221.pdf?sfvrsn=bef8f65d_2.
Villines, zawn (2021). What is ageism? Types, examples, and impact on health. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ageism [Accessed 20 Jan. 2024].
Wyman, M.F., Shiovitz-Ezra, S. and Bengel, J. (2018). Ageism in the Health Care System: Providers, Patients, and Systems. International Perspectives on Aging, [online] 19(19), pp.193–212. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73820-8_13
