While our project is focusing on ageism in the mental health field, it is important to understand how prevalent the ageism and discrimination is, and how those thoughts and attitudes have shaped our culture and have bled over into other fields such as mental health.
The following video does a great job of illustrating examples of ageism, particuarly in the workforce.
When we are in a culture which accepts that older adults can and even should be fired from positions, just for their age, then something is fundamentally wrong. The societal view of older adults as those who are no longer capable of performing tasks may color a practitioner's view, and cause them to not treat the individual the same as they would someone younger.
A culture change needs to occur, and the first step in doing so is to raise awareness that this issue DOES exist, and it is affecting lives.
Great insight, Kristy! American culture reveres young and middle adulthood over late adulthood, which can really impact the way an older individual sees themselves! Think about all the negative self talk that might go through an aging person's head as they see themselves through society's eyes. That has great potential to negatively impact their emotional and mental health! Practitioners need to understand that culture and society influences the opportunities provided to those in late adulthood. The Activity Theory of aging emphasizes the importance of maintaining social roles into later adulthood, but how is that possible when society denies them that opportunity by pushing them out of the workforce? With the current state of society's values, many older adults understandably struggle to adjust to their label as "unfit" and mourn the loss of old roles.
ReplyDeleteIt is becoming increasingly important for helping professionals to recognize the importance of their role in the lives of older adults, especially since this population is quickly expanding. The older generation is facing a loss of social support, lack of a role in society, and perhaps enduring physical ailments. Practitioners in the mental health field can be the first step towards allowing and encouraging older adults to rebuild their lives with renewed purpose. As students who are pursuing a future in the mental health field, it is our job to break down the barriers on the educational level so that there are enough helping professionals to meet the needs of the older generation.
ReplyDelete