Exploring the Impacts of Ageism in the Mental Health and Addictions Sector

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Overview
Ageism is defined as the discrimination or expression of prejudice towards another individual or group of individuals on the basis of age. Ageism encompasses prejudicial attitudes towards older people and the aging process, discriminatory practices against older people, and institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about older adults (Allen, Cherry & Palmore, 2009). The majority of older adults communicate that they have experienced some form of ageist behaviour, (Allen, Cherry & Palmore, 2009), and for older adults living with addiction or mental health issues, this experience of stigma is compounded. Considering the increasing number of older adults in need of services, ageism is a particularly pertinent issue in the addictions and mental health sector. Ageist attitudes are prevalent among service providers and can shape the development and implementation of services. By highlighting areas in need of improvement, policy and service developers can ensure that mental health and addictions services are inclusive and accessible for older adults.
Prevalence of Ageism Among Professionals
In order to address whether or not ageism is a systemic problem within the mental health and addictions sector, it is important to assess if age-related discrimination is prevalent at the service level and if service providers are contributing to the issue. Allen, Cherry and Palmore (2009) determined that professionals in nursing home settings report higher positive expressions of ageing than do social workers, undergraduate social-work students, and graduate social–work students. The overall rates of negative attitudes towards ageing across these groups were lower than expected, which can likely be accounted for...

... middle of paper ...

... passes through all categories of clients including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion. With the growing number of older adults in need of accessible services, it is imperative that service providers demonstrate positive attitudes towards older adults and focus on the needs of their clients rather than their ages.

Works Cited

Allen, P. D., Cherry, K. E., & Palmore, E. (2009). Self-Reported Ageism in Social Work Practitioners and Students. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52, 124-134. doi:10.1080/01634370802561927
Clarke, J. (2005). Adverse factors and mental health of older people: implications for social police and professional practice. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 12, 290-296.
Woods, B. T. (2003). What's So Different About Older People? Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 12, 129-132. doi:10.1002/cpp.363

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