Premium Essay

Ageism in America

In:

Submitted By hwctommy
Words 4512
Pages 19
Ageism in America: The Elderly
Tommy Brooks
SOCW 230 Social Welfare History October 5, 2012

Ageism in America: The Elderly In this paper I will look at the concept of old age. I will take a brief look back through history at how society viewed the elderly. Starting in the 1500’s in England, here I will look at the life expectances and the way it fluctuated. I will take a brief look at the life expectancy of women in France in the 1700’s. This will show how age accounted for a significant minority of the populations across the world. The elderly have been categorized throughout history. By the early modern periods the concept of old age was accompanied by a long list of expectations. These included: experience, social, and cultural signals, within which consisted socially constructed markers: gender, social class, and individual life experiences. Other signs were physical: hunched back, lameness, deafness, toothlessness, balding or graying hair, and just plan grumpy and frail. I will give a brief look at how the elderly were perceived at times negative and even vicious. Back to where the elderly women were viewed as wise and nurturing elderly mothers. Here we will see where the age of sixty was widely associated with the onset of old age. Then we will move into the time of the first settlers in America. It’s true at this time as it was in Europe, the elderly men and women constituted a miniscule proportion of the white population.
Then I will begin a journey into the protection of the elderly in America. I will look at some of the first local support systems enacted to help aid the elderly. While moving forward in time I will look at the local, state, and government levels of protection established throughout history for the protection of the ageing population of America. Also I will look at the policies enacted to law, (The Social Security Act), for

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Ageism in Corporate America

...Ageism in Corporate America Term Paper October 11, 2011 Ageism in Corporate America 1 Ageism is discrimination against any person based on their age; specifically against the elderly. I would like to focus on ageism in corporate America and the effects on Baby Boomers , Generation x, and Generation y. Today ageism is alive and well in corporate America. It seems the older workers or the baby boomers are effected the most. At the other end of the spectrum you have Generation y fresh out of college with no experience effected by the economy. The whole spectrum of ages are greatly effected in todays economy. We are seeing more and more of generation mixing in corporate america. You have the Baby Boomers who have been with a company for twenty plus years who still writes hand written letters sitting next to Generation y ,who are extremly tech savvy and fresh to the company. Then you have Generation x (ages 29- 42) who is familiar with communications, media and digital technologies and are also feeling the affects of ageism in corporate America. ...

Words: 1020 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Ageism In Nursing Research Paper

...Impact Nursing Ageism is a kind of unfairness that affects discrimination on people based upon their age. Sexism and racism are related to ageism include being adverse customs concerning people of various ages Cherry, K. (n.d.). Aging unavoidably includes increased need for health-care assistance at any level also at any position for almost all grown Americans. A summary of the current status of older- healthcare rings with hard info. For example, based on the ILC’s 2006 statement on ageism in America, 90% of elderly Americans nevermore get regular screening examinations for prostate or colon cancer, bone density, or glaucoma—every disease state can advance with age. Sixty percent of elder grown-ups do not get regular preventive health assistance,...

Words: 857 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ageism in Society

...Ageism in Society Today An important issue in which we are dealing with in society today would be ageism. Ageism is a prejudice or discrimination against an individual or group in society on the basis of one's conception of age. Writing this paper I learned their was more to this issue than I had known. To begin with, everyone constantly grows older, no one’s age continues to remain the same, and therefore everyone will experience some form of ageism at some stage in their life. Many people that experience ageism feel excluded and a lack of respect. In the past older adults and elderly people used to have a lot of respect and power due to them been seen as having extensive knowledge and wisdom on matters and subjects that could not be obtained otherwise. But due to fast changes in technology and society ageism against old people arose. Ageism is an inequality that can be overcome through government institutions’ support, community support and raising awareness of the problem. The Age Discrimination Act 2004 is an example of a government implementing legislation to help with this problem in society. If ageism is not resolved and overcome then discrimination will continue causing a lack of equality. Ageism can happen to anyone, young or old. Many times when discussing Ageism or age discrimination, most people consider older generations as those affected, like I once thought but the reality is that younger generations can be affected by Ageism as well. Ageism is growing in...

Words: 435 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Ageism and the Elderly

...Ageism and the Elderly By: Amanda Dewey Sociology/120-Axia College November 20, 2009 Professor Travis Yelton In my opinion of ageism and the elderly there are minor debates that the combined age of the American people is rising, plus the people of aged Americans is one of the major developing demographic groups over the course of the previous two decades, growing admittance to medical care, rising excellence of care, and health developments in general have led to a extensive life distance and later revolt personal and career growth in the over 65 demographic assimilations. To a greater extent, seniors are effectivemaintain their jobs into their 70s and yet their 80s, and the feasibility of the labor force is not longer reliant on reviews of age. Simultaneously, arguments have been waged concerning the effectiveness of an aged personnel and the value of the elderly in the era of high technology. Aging emphasize the involvement of the aging or elder individual in social activities and engagement in society. The social conflict perspective criticizes these approaches because they don't take into account the effect of social structures, social stratification, and class on patterns of aging. Individuals from the upper classes...

Words: 1982 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Wferhy5Tuj

...by The Gerontological Society of America The Ageism Survey: First Findings Purpose: To develop an instrument that can be used to answer three questions: What is the prevalence of ageism in various societies? Which types of ageism are more prevalent? Which subgroups of older people report more ageism? Methods: A survey instrument was developed listing 20 types of ageism. This instrument was tested on a convenience sample of 84 persons older than age 60. Results: The instrument appears to have satisfactory reliability and validity. The survey found that the experience of ageism was widespread and frequent among these respondents. The majority reported several incidents of ageism and over half of the incidents were reported to have occurred “more than once.” The most frequent types were persons showing disrespect for older people, followed by persons showing assumptions about ailments or frailty caused by age. Implications: Researchers now have a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the prevalence of ageism in various societies and of various types of ageism experienced by various groups of older persons. This may aid in reducing the prevalence of ageism in our society. Nevertheless, ageism is widespread in our society, in contrast to more traditional societies where old age is honored and respected (Palmore & Maeda, 1985). Yet nobody knows how much ageism there is, nor how prevalent the various forms of ageism are in different societies and different...

Words: 2488 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Ageism and the Elderly

...Ageism and the Elderly Decrepit, senile, over the hill, old fart or slow driver are often the words you hear when referring to “the elderly”. In 1969, Robert Butler, the first director of the National Institute on Aging was the first to use the term “ageism” to describe the stereotyping of people because of their age. The term ageism contains a negative bias or attitude toward the aging. This it a form of discrimination. While there is other ‘isms used in American society; sexism, or racism, ageism enables the younger generation to see older people differently, they may be seen as just old people who are no longer able to actively contribute to society. When is a person considered to be old or elderly? There was a time when you were required to retire at the age of 65. But with the economy and life span increasing people work until they cannot. There is no set age but society usually deems a person old when they are able to collect benefits like pensions, social security, medical care or discounted meals. The United States Census Bureau has estimated that the population of those over 65 will increase from 11.4 percent in 2000 to 20.7 percent in 2050. The baby boom generation, those born in the 1950’s will make up sixteen percent of the population in at least ten states by 2020. Some say that by the end of the twenty-first century life expectancy will exceed 100 years of age. Most people want to live a long life, but only if they are mentally and physically able to...

Words: 2645 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Age Related Discrimination in Healthcare

...Age Related Healthcare Discrimination (Ageism) in Healthcare Student Name Professor Name DHA-865 July 14, 2013 | Age Related Healthcare Discrimination (Ageism) in Healthcare While the “Greatest Generation” is a title often given to those Americans who lived and died during the era of the Great Depression and World War II, their offspring, the “Baby Boom” generation, significantly shaped and improved the American landscape as well if for no greater reason than the sheer number of people who make up this population (Steinhorn, 2006). Today, based predominantly on that very same reason, the baby boomer population is now making a very different, yet equally as profound impact on American society. More specifically, this impact is being made on the healthcare system of the US, and the discriminatory practice of “ageism” that older patients currently face. The purpose of this paper is to explore, analyze, and evaluate both the practice of age discrimination in healthcare and the federal policy issues and efforts that are involved with it. The work begins by providing background information on the current demographics of the aging American population and forecasts for the impact this will likely have on the healthcare industry in the near future. It then transitions into a discussion on what ageism is, where its historical roots come from, and where it fits into the federal Fair Labor Act. A review of the literature is then presented, documenting the discrimination...

Words: 7214 - Pages: 29

Free Essay

Aging and Disability Worksheet

...Associate Program Material Aging and Disability Worksheet Part I Identify 2 or 3 issues faced by the aging population. 1. Often elderly people are discriminated in the work force. 2. They have trouble fitting in as vital members of society. 3. They are often seen as a financial drain on the economy. Answer the following questions in 100 to 200 words each. Provide citations for all the sources you use. • What is ageism? How does ageism influence the presence of diversity in society? Ageism is the discrimination of people or groups of people based on their age. As in all cases of discrimination ageism limits the full potential of diversity. Whenever diversity is not accounted for and held as a valueable resource the outcome of any action that could have benifited from said diversity is also limited in its potential.Older generations have experience that should be highly valued by society. Instead they are in most cases seen as obsolete, but this could not be further from the truth. Elderly people have seen enough in their life to easily foresee reoccurring trends. This is an important position in many firms that usually is dedicated to certain individuals full time. Yet, economics usually provales leading to the dicision to fire the more experienced employee, and hire the younger cheaper employee. • What is the Age Discriminitation in Employment Act (ADEA)? How does the ADEA address issues for the aging population? Age Discrimination in Employment...

Words: 1602 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Aging

...Associate Program Material Aging and Disability Worksheet Part I Identify 2 or 3 issues faced by the aging population. 1. Health Issues 2. Income and Economic Welfare 3. Neglect and Abuse Answer the following questions in 100 to 200 words each. Provide citations for all the sources you use. • What is ageism? How does ageism influence the presence of diversity in society? Ageism is a form of discrimination and prejudice, particularly experienced by seniors. Most seniors are mentally and physically active regardless of age with a great deal to contribute. http://www.alfa.org/alfa/Ageism.asp Ageism influences the presence of diversity because those who are affected by ageism within their career may lose their job due to newer, younger, cheaper people coming into the workplace to take over their current position. Which may leave those who are older without proper insurance to take care of their aging bodies which could result in earlier deaths and a lack of diversity in the world. Also when the younger generation takes over positions in the workplace that workplace will have a lack of diversity as well. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Eth125-R8-Disability-Diversity-1534126.html • What is the Age Discriminitation in Employment Act (ADEA)? How does the ADEA address issues for the aging population? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, seeks to address the long standing problem of age discrimination in the...

Words: 1977 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Late Adulthood and End of Life

...Late Adulthood and End of life PSY/375 Late Adulthood and End of Life There are numerous changes that take place during different stages of development from a child to an adolescent and beyond to adult. Changes in development in late adulthood are not as progressed as in the earlier stages of life (Preisser, 1997). Developmental stages in one’s life are an important part of the journey of life. Discussion on the end of one’s life is not a pleasant one, but it is something that everyone has to go through when it is the end of one’s life span and developmental process. Psychologist Erikson, expressed that the stages of life is a journey and when one reaches late adulthood, he or she comes to terms that his or her life path is at its end (Preisser, 1997). Erikson expressed that when one reaches late adulthood to accept his or her life and look at life in a positive manner. Integrity not despair is this stage of development according to Erikson. When an individual has a sense of integrity he or she is fully accepting his or her self, accomplishments, and can come to terms with mortality (Preisser, 1997). Once an individual can accept responsibility for what he or she achieved in life and undo any negative feelings on what his or her life portrayed this is the essential part of life. There are some individuals who have skepticism or misery over what he or she accomplished or did not accomplish in his or her life, and his is a result of thoughts of despair. When...

Words: 1900 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Bell Hooks Multicultural Education

...A Multicultural and Democratic Education Knowledge is beautiful and powerful because it is influential and vast. In fact, it is pivotal for one to understand that knowledge will forever be limitless. For instance, modern day education philosophers such as bell hooks and Ann Sharp are known for their thought-provoking intellectual beliefs regarding education. Nonetheless, bell hooks is known for her intriguing philosophies regarding African-American feminism in cultural studies, social issues, and education. hooks’ beliefs derived from her personal experience with social and racial discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s. On the other hand, Ann Sharp is known for fighting against ageism; she believes that children should be respected as individuals....

Words: 635 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Older Adult Changes

...In addition, ageism can cause a generation gap of social change in the older adult population. A person may desire to hide their age by change the name of social clubs they participate, for example, senior citizen club, 55 plus, etc. (PSYC 402: Hillier & Barrow, 2011, Stereotypes and Images, p. 42 ). In addition, stated that with seniors improving in their health and retirement is happening at younger age, ageism will begin to decline in the aging population (PSCY 402: Hillier & Barrow, 2011, Aging in America, p. 28). As baby boomers being to live longer, as they becoming an aging population, they will desire and demand the American culture to change to meet the needs of the aging...

Words: 1192 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Quiz

...businesses to lay off older workers for economic reasons. d. all of these 4. Poverty rates for the elderly have a. increased. b. remained constant. c. declined for all racial groups. d. declined for white women only. 5. The dramatic increase in the number of people aged 65 and older is a consequence of which of the following? a. declining mortality rates b. immigrant sponsorship of older relatives c. increases in the number of Americans with health insurance d. all of these 6. Ageism is the phrase coined by Robert Butler to refer to a. prejudice and discrimination against the elderly. b. employment policies for the elderly. c. romance in later life. d. positive attitudes toward the elderly. 7. What percent of people over the age of 60 have felt the effects of ageism? a. 35% b. 84% c. 99% d. 56% 8. Age works against older...

Words: 1303 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Fear of Aging and Death

...Fear of Aging and Death Name of Student Liberty University Abstract This paper addresses the fear of death and aging in America. The United States is a culture in which people are judged by their appearance. The media idealizes youth and feeds into the fallacy that becoming older is somehow negative. Thus, the identity of those who are growing older is undermined, and older Americans are often devalued. The reality, however, is that God has a plan for every phase of our lives. Research indicates that between the ages of 75 and 84, 73% report no disability, thus proving that older Americans are living long, healthy lives and are valuable assets to society (Vaillant & Mukamal, 2001). Appearance has no relevance on the contributions one can make in society. Furthermore, our fear of death is irrational. Death is often feared as a result of our diminishing faith in God and unbelief in the reality of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Death is not the end of life, but only the beginning of eternal life in a place free from illness, heartache and death. A Society Obsessed with Youth Americans are obsessed with youth and physical beauty. The average adult male in the United States spends thirty-two minutes getting ready in the morning (Hamermesh, 2011). The average adult female spends forty-four minutes (Hamermesh, 2011). Time is not the only thing Americans spend on their appearance. “In 2008, the average American household spent $718 on women’s and girl’s...

Words: 2741 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

The Effect of Gadgets on Student Performance

...Eating Disorders Unemployment Homelessness Racial profiling Welfare Recycling and Conservation HIV/AIDS Civil Rights Genetic Engineering Consumer Debt and Bankruptcy Obesity Terrorism Judicial Reform Censorship Violence Academic Freedom Gun Control Gender issues Environmental issues Single Parenting Child Labor Immigration Tobacco Nuclear Proliferation Ageism Stress Cancer Prostitution Gay Marriages Education Health Care Reform Embryonic Stem Cell Research Affirmative Action Revelations about Social Issues in Today's Society Health Issues Health issues, which arise due to the increase in number of people detected with life-threatening diseases like cancer and AIDS every year. This social issue can be handled only if another issue i.e. health care reform, is dealt with appropriately. Teen Issues There are plethora of teen issues which society is facing today, right from increase in alcohol abuse, to eating disorders, to high stress levels amongst teens. According to the "Mothers Against Drunk Driving website", around eight teens die every day due to drunk driving in America. Violence faced by teens...

Words: 449 - Pages: 2