SUMMARY
Ageism, also spelled agism, is age discrimination affecting the elderly. Ageism is similar to other known forms of discrimination such as racism or sexism. It represents prejudices and negative images of older people or manifestations of discrimination against an elderly person or a group of older people.

In healthcare, ageism occurs at the macro and micro levels. Ageistic approaches and ageistic practice in health care providers have been documented in several studies providing inequalities in the methods of diagnosis and treatment provided to the elderly in different medical disciplines. Another aspect of age discrimination is the way health professionals communicate with seniors. „Elderspeak“ is an English term for inappropriate speech style and inappropriate communication with seniors.
Ageism is a phenomenon that has a significantly negative impact on the health of seniors. By the term „self-ageism“ we mean the bias or prejudice that seniors themselves develop towards aging and old age. Seniors who have a positive zest of life, a sense of usefulness, satisfaction and acceptance of changes in aging approach life with greater optimism and manage aging and old age positively.
Another aspect of negative bias against the elderly is their exclusion from participation in clinical trials. Prescribing and dosing drugs in the same way to young and old people is also considered a form of ageism. Another factor reflected in ageist prejudices within health systems is the lack of education and training of health professionals and students. The current coronavirus pandemic is also an opportunity to point out and change perceptions, negative stereotypes and manifestations of discrimination against the elderly in health care systems.
Key words: Ageism, seniors, health care, communication with seniors.
Lek Obz, 2021, 70 (9): 316-320

Ivan Bartošovič

Vysoká škola zdravotníctva a sociálnej práce sv. Alžbety, Bratislava

Cite:
Bartošovič I.: Ageism in healthcare system. Lek Obz, 2021, 70 (9): 316-320