This document discusses ageism and issues facing older adults. It begins by noting the increasing population of older adults in the US due to baby boomers aging. It then defines key terms like gerontology and ageism. The document outlines common negative stereotypes of older adults and how ageism can negatively impact their quality of life. It also discusses challenges social workers may face like increasing medical issues among older clients. Finally, it discusses ways older adults are advocating for themselves through groups and calls for finding ways for older adults to stay engaged in society to improve well-being.

1. AGEISM
Ann C. Wilder, PhDc, LCSW, MSSW

2. Introduction
There is a need to become aware of issues
affecting aging adults now more than ever
because of the advancing grey in American
society.
It is predicted that in:
1. 2015 due to the baby boom generation
aging out, 10,000 each day will continue to
become eligible for Medicare and Social
Security benefits
2. 2025 Senior adults will out number teens
2:1
3. 2030 20% of the US population will be
60+

3. Who Are
Older
Adults?

4. Introduction
This presentation will address the
complex problem of ageism in the
United States. The term elderly or older
adult refers to an individual 65 yrs or
older. Demographers and
Gerontologists refer to three categories
of Aging adults:
Young old - age 65-75
Old - age 75-85
Old Old - 85 and older
* this group is rapidly
advancing

5. Definition of Terms
 Gerontology
The systematic study of the aging
process including biophysical,
psychological, social, cultural and
environmental factors
 Ageism
The process of discrimination, similar
to sexism and racism, against older
people simply because of their age. The

6. My Generation
http://youtu.be/zqfFrCUrEbY

7. Stereotypes
 Grumpy
 Forgetful
 Incapable
 Troublesome
 Asexual
 Worthless
 Mean
 Dirty old man

8. Stereotypes
 Society often hides the elderly, shuts
them away and separates them from
mainstream culture
 Younger generations see themselves
as separate from older people
 Often perceived as obstacles in
society by younger people seeking
opportunities for advancement
 Notion of dependency and frailty that

9. Ageism in the US (2010)
 Ageism has the potential to rob senior adults of
choice, dignity, respect and opportunity
 Creates a negative impact on quality of life
 Under estimates the ability of a significantly large
number of people in the population and fosters
oppression
 This can cause difficulties in the work force, the
medical arena and in the community at large

10. Social Work Practice
 Increase in disability
 Increase in medical problems
 Increase in poverty
While there are plenty of older
adults that become frail and have
increased medical needs, with the
advancement of medical
technology there are just as many
if not more older adults that are

11. Ageism in the US (2010)

12. Social Work Practice
Culture Change Principles
 Transformation of older adult services
based on person-direct values and
practices such as choice, dignity, respect,
self-determination and purposeful living.
 National movement in elder care services
that is attempting to develop more culture
change values into care and services for
older adults.
 Term used in public policy making that
emphasizes individual, community and

13. Social Work Practice
Culture Change Principles
 Effects the ways in which problems are solved
and how strategies are developed within
organizational settings that care for and serve
older adults.
 Emphasis on quality of interactions with specific
guidelines on how both employees interact in
the workplace and how people are treated that
are receiving services. Staff encouraged to
engage and develop relationships with
residents.
 Services are integrative and client centered

14. Senior Activism

15. Senior Activism
 Senior Social Activism– citizen action
groups
 Grey is Green www.grayisgreen.org
 Gray Panthers www.graypanthers.org
 Ralph Nader:
RPAG- Retired Professionals Action
Group
 Second Journey www.secondjourney.org
 AARP www.aarp.org

16. Health Care Reform
 Medicare reform
 Rationing of health care for older adults over the
age of 65
 No Medicare case management system; has made
this a free range for insurance companies
 HMO’s manage care but provide fewer choices
 Traditional medicare provides choice but often
there is little regulation on care that is provided
 Waste and mismanagement have become issues

17. Conclusion
 Ageism is a complex issue
 Discrimination based on this is very hard to prove
 Some countries have mandatory retirement with old
age pension benefits
 In the US 65 yrs old is considered retired but many
people are living longer and working longer which
contributes to an ability to stay employed
 Data indicates that older old population is rising,
people are living longer with higher functionality

18. Conclusion
 It is not legally stated that an individual must take
care of their aging family member; this creates
moral conflict in society as the question becomes,
who is responsible?
 A structural lag exists in our society wherein
individuals have an increased life span but society
has not adjusted expectations for roles of elder
adults yet
 Finding ways for older adults to volunteer, engage
and participate in society is key to improving
quality of life

19. ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~
Thank you for
allowing me the
opportunity to
speak with you
today!

20. References
Burke, Warner W. (2002). Organization Change Theory and Practice.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
DADS: Culture Change in Long term Care
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/culturechange/
Fox, Nancy (2007) Journey of a Lifetime: Leadership Pathways to
Culture Change in Long-Term Care. CA: Eden Alternative Press.
Moody, H.R. (2006). Aging: Concepts and Controversies.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage/Pine Forge.
Pioneer Network: https://www.pioneernetwork.net/
Weiner, Audrey S. and Ronch, J.L. (2003). Culture Change in Long Term
Care.
Presentation: https://faculty.unt.edu/editprofile.php?pid=4520&onlyview=1