Ageism in Lower Mainland of BC

   Ageism In Lower Mainland of British Columbia: A                             Research Project

Larry Anderson and Yongjie Yon

Purpose of the Study: To explore the nature of ageism in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and answer several specific questions. What is the prevalence of ageism in the Lower Mainland? Which types of ageism are more prevalent? Are there correlations between different types of ageism? Which subgroups of older people report more ageism? 

Design and Methods: The Survey developed by Erdman Palmore (2001), listing 20 types of ageism. It was used on a convenience sample of 598 persons older than 55 years.

Results:  Just over 82% of 598 respondents reported they have experienced some form of ageism at least once or more.  Demographic variables ethnicity, level of education, age group, and gender were all predictors. Each group followed different patterns.  A pattern of correlations representing attacks on self-esteem was found.  Being told by doctors ailments were caused by age was experienced equally among groups.

Implications: Researchers will now have a clearer picture of ageism and its variations experienced by different groups of older persons in British Columbia. This can be a step forward in reducing the prevalence of ageism in Canada.

Something we almost will face

Understanding Aging[i]

         Several weeks ago I came upon a very interesting database. While it is not quite at the level of Psych Info et all, it does provide a lot of information gathered from younger adults working their way through the research exploring we humans.  As usual when you see quotation marks, I will be sighting the article directly.  The title of the article is Old Age Rough and it’s only on page long.

         About an hour before I began creating this post one of my sons called me as he usually does every day or so. He reminded me that his birthday is coming up.  He will be forty-six.  I asked him how he felt about it.  He said he was starting to be an older person.  We didn’t talk much more about that but we will when I meet with at the end of next week.  One of the first thoughts I had was, how do I feel about my aging; I’m now seventy-three.

         “The Aging of our bodies, at the cellular level, is an inevitable process, however the rate of aging varies from person to person.  Family history, genetics, and lifestyle all play a part in how fast or how slow our body and subsequently our brains begin to decline. … There are obviously external factors that have impact on our bodies; environment in which we live, career we have chosen, and actions of other people, to name a few.”

         The article goes on to site the work of Erick Eriksson who “…that emotional wellness could be summed up by determined which side of the Integrity versus despair, one falls.” 

In summary “The overall combined effect of emotional, physical, social and environmental impact on the development of the elderly creates a varied experience among those is late adulthood.  Genetics, neurological health, perceived lifespan accomplishments, and environment all determine how we deal with the process of aging.”

         I think this description should help those of us combating the prejudice of ageism.   Whether or not it’s positive or negative ageism this form off thinking things through will help us long with wisdom, integrity and happiness.

This also reminds me of the Beatles’ song “Who Wants To Live Forever?”

---

[i]  Ideas and some material gathered from Antiessay.com