Determinants of Ageism against Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Ageism is a widespread phenomenon and constitutes a significant threat to older people’s well-being. Identifying the factors contributing to ageism is critical to inform policies that minimise its societal impact. In this systematic review, we gathered and summarised empirical studies exploring the key determinants of ageism against older people for a period of over forty years (1970–2017). A comprehensive search using fourteen databases identified all published records related to the umbrella concept of “ageism”. Reviewers independently screened the final pool to identify all papers focusing on determinants, according to a predefined list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. All relevant information was extracted and summarised following a narrative synthesis approach. A total of 199 papers were included in this review. We identified a total of 14 determinants as robustly associated with ageism. Of these, 13 have an effect on other-directed ageism, and one on self-directed ageism. The quality of contact with older people and the positive or negative presentation of older people to others emerged as the most robust determinants of other-directed ageism; self-directed ageism is mostly determined by older adults’ health status. Given the correlational nature of most studies included in this review, inferences on causality should be made cautiously.

HIV and Aging: Double Stigma

“…It has also been defined as the stereotyping of and discriminating against people due to their older age [18], in addition to avoidance of dealing with their challenges [2]. Ageism consists of three facets: cognitive, affective, and behavioral [19]. It is important to note that implicit attitudes and stereotypes do not only apply to race but are also applicable to aging [19] in a variety of areas such as housing, work, healthcare, and among family and friends [17].…”

“…Ageism consists of three facets: cognitive, affective, and behavioral [19]. It is important to note that implicit attitudes and stereotypes do not only apply to race but are also applicable to aging [19] in a variety of areas such as housing, work, healthcare, and among family and friends [17]. Implicit ageism is said to be more prevalent than [20,21] but has similar effects to explicit ageism [22].…”

Обоснование Действий По Минимизации Геронтологического Эйджизма Согласно Рекомендациям Всемирной Организации Здравоохранения

“…Эйджизм может проявляться в различных формах, включая предвзятое отношение, дискриминационную практику или институциональные меры политики, способствующие закреплению стереотипных представлений. Пожилые люди, проживающие в учреждениях социального обслуживания, которым предоставляются медико-социальные услуги, могут подвергаться риску дискриминации как с точки зрения структуры услуг, так и в связи с поведением обслуживающего персонала [8].…”

“…Что касается мужчин, их эйджистские проявления обусловлены снижением нормативности поведения и трудностями в коммуникации с пожилыми людьми. У женщин четко выражено психологическое неприятие старости и процесса старения из-за недостаточной геронтологической компетентности [8]. Другие детерминанты могут дополнять основные (по возрасту и полу) на индивидуальном, межличностном (групповом) и на институциональном уровнях [18].…”

Theory and Practice of Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…However, one can also recall the term "ageism," which was suggested by the outstanding American gerontologist Robert Butler in the late 1960s. His article [7] has been cited in more than 2000 publications, including the 2020 review [25]. The term ageism refers to the systematic application of negative stereotypes to older people and discrimination against them.…”