Abstract
Addressing ageism in healthcare through gerontological nursing Sherry Dahlke, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, discusses the impact of ageism in healthcare and why gerontological nursing education is vital for improving awareness and patient care. The World Health Organization’s (WHO, 2021) global report on ageism reports that one in every two people is ageist towards older people. Ageism includes stereotypes about aging and older adults (beliefs), prejudice (feelings) and/or discrimination through actions (WHO, 2021). Ageism can occur between people, be institutionalized, and/or self-directed. For example, ageism occurs in healthcare when older people who often have complex health and social needs are expected to fit into systems designed for younger people with one health concern (Kojima, 2018), resulting in adverse health outcomes (Chang et al., 2020). Exposure to negative stereotypes of aging can lead people to internalize negative beliefs of inevitable decline, resulting in them experiencing adverse effects of ageism as they age (Levy, 2009; Steward, 2022).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
