Ageism

Private Home Health Care understands that when you are younger you don’t think too much about aging.  You know it will come to pass but you don’t focus on it.

Interestingly, it is estimated that by 2030 in our country there will be 20% of the population ages 65 and older.  In 2010, that figure was 13% so it’s definitely growing.

This means that there will be more older people in our lives.  How we deal with them will reflect how we as a society take care of and support those that are aging.

Ageism is unfortunately alive and well.  You may believe and be made to feel that once you hit a certain age you are not valued.

When you see an older person, is your first reaction negative or positive?  Do you make assumptions about that person’s capabilities?

It can happen a lot without even realizing it.  Making projections and assumptions about an older adult comes from a child, a teen or an adult.

How can we change this type of thinking and help the aging adults around us?

• The first thing is for you to recognize it.  This creates awareness which can lead to change.

• If you hear something said that is ageist, think about it and then calmly point it out to the person.  They may not even be aware they were doing it.

• Have you heard of “elderspeak”?  It’s speaking to an adult in a childlike manner.  Ask yourself if you would like that and then make a change.

• Try and find ways to include the elderly in activities. This has benefits for everyone.

• Don’t beat yourself up if you find that you’ve guilty of any of the behaviors above.  Learn instead and try to handle things differently.

You may be a retiree who has experienced ageism and feel a bit validated.  You could be someone who didn’t understand ageism and now feel enlightened.  

Making older adults feel useful, needed and important is a great goal for every community.