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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Learn More about Ageism and Discrimination




It is very common for older adults to face discrimination in housing, health, and other key services. They may be treated as burdens on services, excluded from or simply refused admission to services.  Learn to recognize when "neutral policies" are not "neutral" in their effect on seniors. Also recognize how ageism intersects with other "isms" such as sexism or racism.

As most of you know there are many posts on this blog the discuss ageism. I suggest that you go through each one and make notes.  Most of the posts have references and it is important to investigate them.

Todd Nelson has put together a book entitled Ageism[i]: Stereotyping and Prejudice Against Older Persons.  In the Preface of the book he has a section entitled Origins of Ageism.  The following material was gathered from there. “ Citing other authors he tells us that “ people have multiple, often contradictory views of older persons.  For instance “…today’s elders are seen as incompetent (low status) but warm (passive).   It has also been suggested, “…age prejudice arises out of a fear of our own mortality. 

In another chapter in the book some authors are cited as saying that “…children learn age prejudice at a very early age.”


[i]  Todd D. Nelson edits book. Published in 2002 Ageism: Stereotyping and Prejudice Against Older adults. Published by A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, Cambridge Massachusetts, London, England  ISBN 0-262-14077-2 (hc. : alk. Paper)

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