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Confronting ageism in society and in medicine: What can be done?

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 23:20 authored by Peta CookPeta Cook

Ageism – prejudice based in a set of ideas, attitudes and beliefs regarding chronological age and the ageing process – is commonly experienced by older adults. These experiences additionally emerge from negative social myths about older age which include standardised judgements on personality, cognitive function, levels of social connections and integration, and physical appearance and performance. Such myths are evidenced throughout society, including healthcare provision. These can be potentially challenged through intergenerational programs, which bring younger and older generations together. Evaluations of such programs, however, have been limited. In addition, visual research methods have the potential to challenge ageism by supporting older adults to represent and document their own lives and ageing. Translating such work beyond academia, and beyond individual projects, has, however, been limited.

In this presentation, I will examine the subtle – and not so subtle – ways in which ageism manifests in society and in medicine. I will also explore how my visual research project with older people, Reclaiming the Self, has been taken up in non-academic contexts, discussing both the productive and challenging aspects of undertaking such community outreach.

Funding

University of Tasmania

History

Publication title

CSRH Seminar Series

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Centre for Social Research in Health

Place of publication

Australia

Event title

CSRH Seminar Series

Event Venue

University of New South Wales

Date of Event (Start Date)

2018-08-28

Date of Event (End Date)

2018-08-28

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Ageing and older people; Expanding knowledge in human society