If there is anything we cannot avoid, it is aging. Regardless, social media, peer pressure, and technological progress have witnessed an increase in ageism - the discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes we experience ourselves or project to others based on age. This means anyone with an age could be affected - which just so happens to be everyone.
To illustrate, ageism does not only affect older individuals who fear wrinkles or “getting too old”. Studies show that younger employees in the workforce are common targets of ageism. Their young age causes many senior employees to stereotype them as unmotivated, inexperienced, and unable. As a result, many of these younger employees are subconsciously blocked by supervisors from additional promotions or training opportunities.
Now for the healthcare part. Oftentimes, when an elderly patient is being seen by a healthcare provider, the patient’s slow response to questions could cause the provider to stereotype them as cognitively compromised and, therefore, unable to properly monitor medical concerns or treatment plans. Similarly, when an elderly patient is accompanied to an appointment with a younger loved one, the healthcare provider could direct a large portion of their questions or advice towards the younger individual. Likewise, problems such as vision or hearing loss, joint pains, or aches after falls could be dismissed as issues that accompany old age. On the same note, issues such as stomach aches, an itchy scalp, difficulty breathing, and restlessness can be dismissed as a child’s immaturity or impatience.
However, when there is a will, there is a way. Although ageism exists on a subconscious level in healthcare, there are many solutions to combat this. For example, visiting geriatric physicians for healthcare appointments might prove to be beneficial for elderly patients. Many healthcare providers and hospitals prefer individuals 65 years and above to visit geriatric physicians, as many have observed significantly better function after they are discharged. Furthermore, focusing on preventative care - such as maintaining a proper diet and exercise routine - can reduce the number of additional appointments, screenings, and diagnostic tests elderly patients have to undergo.
Now for a change of pace. Since we have talked about ageism in healthcare, we cannot dismiss our conscious or subconscious fears of aging. It is true - we cannot magically turn back time and return to the ‘80s, ‘90s, or even the early 2000s. However, nowadays, many social media influencers believe a good skincare routine or aesthetic treatments can reduce the stereotypes they place on themselves due to their “younger” appearance. I hate to break it to you, but it is completely and absolutely normal to age! Even though a good skincare routine or aesthetic treatment can make us feel beautiful and confident on the outside, it is good to take care of the inner child residing in us, who is proud to have traveled the journey of each birthday, every school day, every working day, every retirement day, and much, much more.
Ultimately, no one should be discriminated against due to their age - and neither should we feel stereotypical of ourselves just because of the number of years attached to us. Therefore, never be afraid to speak up for yourself, whether it is at work, in the doctor’s office, or in a radiology imaging room. Proudly embrace your experiences, knowledge, and growth that you enjoy and accumulate with each passing day. After all, since we cannot avoid aging, let us enjoy it!
By: Amruta Jayanthi
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