Ageism is an ongoing issue, even encountered in Ashland, Ohio, affecting both younger and older adults. Regarding ageism and mental health, both groups face some similar challenges/issues.
Ageism is defined as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age” (American Society on Aging, Ageism & Advisory Council).
More: Opinion. Older adults can ‘champion their health’ with these tips
Ageism and Mental Health
Research on the impact of ageism on mental health and service provision efforts in the specialty behavioral health sector has focused on older adults, while on both younger and older people to a much lesser extent.
For both groups, ageism can result in anxiety, depression, diminished sense of self-worth, and increased stress. Risk of suicidal ideation and suicide increases, loneliness and social disconnectedness are exacerbated. Older adults may experience internalized ageism, fear the aging process and what may be viewed as inevitable decline rather than holding a perspective emphasizing thriving while aging. They may feel like burdens or actually be treated as burdens, being pressured to make decisions that will limit their decision-making power and implementation of their true preferences. Younger adults may also internalize negative perceptions about aging, fearing the future.
Older Adults
Older adults face ageist attitudes and inaccurate assumptions when experiencing mental health conditions and symptoms, when receiving care from primary care physicians or from mental health professionals. For example:
Depression or sadness may be assumed to be part of the normal aging process, so clinical depression may be undertreated or inappropriately managed. Suicidal ideation or expressions of hopelessness may be viewed as expected or understandable when growing older.
Cognitive decline or dementia-related symptoms may be assumed to preclude “success” with therapy/counseling. Symptoms may be viewed as too severe or untreatable with approaches other than medication prescribing/use (i.e., “therapeutic nihilism”).
The impact of inappropriate/excessive drug prescribing or delirium may not be dealt with. Older adults may face chronic health conditions such as physical pain, resulting in the prescribing of medications that can cause anxiety, cognitive fog, suicidal ideation, and physical problems such as dizziness, which may increase the risk of falling. They may be treated with psychoactive agents. Drugs prescribed may “pile up” and interact, with multiple medications being prescribed by multiple prescribers. Medication optimization principles may not be implemented. Number of drugs taken and dosage levels may not be reduced when it would be beneficial to do so.
Younger Adults
Concerns also arise regarding the impact of ageism on behavioral health of younger adults. For example:
External factors may be focused on, rather than assessing for and treating underlying mental health conditions. Symptoms may be assumed to be less serious. Effective treatment may be postponed and sufficient support may not be provided, prolonging experienced behavioral health problems, adversely affecting long-term outcomes.
Younger adults may be patronized, stereotyped, and dismissed. Concerns may remain invalidated when reaching out for “help.”
Buffering the Impact of Ageism for Both Younger and Older Adults
Factors serving as protective mechanisms against the negative impact of ageism on behavioral health and overall well-being include:
a sense of meaning and purpose, a gratitude mindset, empathy, and resilience;
healthy social connections and support, including and notably, intergenerationally;
empowerment of self and others; and
Promoting mechanisms for aging (and living!) with DIGNITY and mutual respect is also essential to combat ageism.
This applies for older adults as well as those of younger age groups.
Intergenerational Connectivity
Central to intergenerational connectivity and support bond creation is RECIPROCITY in burgeoning relationships,
while overcoming differences,
working through any intergenerational conflicts fueled by ageism; and
addressing and breaking through communication barriers.
The following acrostic poem, grounded in the word RECIPROCITY, created by Diana Spore, may stimulate ideas about its critical value:
R Relationships that are healthy and reciprocal – give and receive – are
E Especially beneficial, when grounded in trust and respect
C Characterized by openness, honesty, and genuineness
I Individuality is respected, yet bridges are formed despite “differences,” acknowledging that “partners” are more alike than different
P Potential for mutual growth and increased knowledge escalates
R Revealing bonds that can maximize well-being and resilience for all engaged actively
O Opening doors to having strong connections during life’s storms
C Challenges can be faced and overcome, together, while retaining
I Independence and self-empowerment
T Transformative experiences can be shared
Y Yielding increased inner strength, encircled by caring, reciprocity, and mutual support.
Intergenerational relationships can become incredibly enriching, mutually empowering, and dynamic. The impact on behavioral health of older and younger adults is beneficial and undeniable.
Closing Comments
Perhaps the following quote best captures the essence of what has grounded this oped piece, what we need to hold in our hearts. Notably, it fosters a mindset filled with hope for the future:
Maya Woertz, Generation Z, Miami University (Ohio) undergraduate student, noted: “Ultimately, mental health does not discriminate by age, and neither should empathy. Every person, young or old, deserves validation, understanding, and proper care. Breaking the cycle of stigma requires mutual respect between generations and a willingness to learn from each another. If we hope to build a healthier society, we must ensure that compassion is extended across all ages.”
Diana Spore, PhD, MGS, is a mental health advocate, a social gerontologist, a freelance writer, and an older adult, aged 67. She can be reached at dianaspore@zoominternet.net.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ageism and mental health impact on older and younger adults. Opinion