What is the social justice issue that is identified in the chapter that you selected and how is it related to themes explored in the course? Within the book, Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, “Ageism: Another Form of Bigotry” by Robert N. Butler examined the social justice issue of ageism, which is the action of stereotyping and discriminating against older individuals simply because they are old (Adams, Blumenfield, Castañeda, Hackman, Peters, and Zúñiga, 2013). Unfortunately, ageism is commonly seen in the United States, especially in film and television industries where viewers often watch older individuals treated disrespectfully. Butler further explored the notion that individuals are fearful of growing old and idolize youth. …show more content…
The social work principle of dignity and worth of a person is crucial to helping individuals facing ageism because social workers need to treat clients with care and respect, regardless of their age (National Association of Social Workers, 1999). Individuals, especially social workers, should practice empathy, active listening, self-awareness, and competence to address this injustice. It is important for social workers to understand risk factors associated with ageism, such as age, gender, living arrangement, acute or chronic health conditions, mental health status, cognitive deficits, size of social support, and alcohol abuse (Choi & Mayer, 2000). Social workers should use apply their principles and practice skills to advocate for appropriate healthcare for older individuals. Unfortunately, older individuals do not receive appropriate screening for bone density, cancer, and glaucoma. However, social workers can advocate for the prevention of age-determined limits in medical care, and therefore help older individuals get the care and medical attention they …show more content…
Preventative services may include case-management services, caregiver support services, and alcohol/substance abuse screening and treatment (Choi & Mayer, 2000). By administering these interventions before ageism or elder abuse is experienced, it may be prevented or less likely in elders who are at a higher risk. Offering more respite care to allow caregivers a break from the stress of caregiving for an elder may prevent some elder abuse. According to the lecture on Gerontology by Tracy Schroepfer (December, 8th 2015), healthcare professionals overlook ageism. Healthcare providers should be informed of the special needs of the elderly and actively engage with their elderly patients. All nurses, and individuals who work with older individuals need to be educated about ageism and trained in how to prevent this form of discrimination. A knowledge based intervention would be one possible solution to the social injustice of ageism because through education, health care providers for the elderly could modify their behaviors and learn how to prevent discrimination based on age and elder abuse. They could provide the medical services older individuals need while also respecting the dignity and worth of each of their clients without discriminating against any of their clients. Everyone, especially medical students, should learn more about the aging process and how to