1. CHCAC3C Orientation to aged care work Ageism, Attitudes, Myths and Stereotypes of Ageing

2. Ageism Definition: “The tendency to draw conclusions about an individual on the basis of chronological age alone.” Yurick, A.G., Spier, B.E., Robb, S.S. and Ebert, N.J., The aged person and the nursing process (2nd edition), Connecticut, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1984, p. 561.

3. Attitudes What are attitudes? We often say: “She has a very positive attitude” or “He’s got a real attitude problem”. Attitude is: “Defined as persistent ways of thinking and responding. Attitudes, whether they be individual or social, are deeply, culturally embedded. They are often strongly displayed in positive or negative ways.” McClymont, M., Thomas, S. and Denham, M.J., Health visiting and elderly people: a health promotion challenge (2nd edition), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1991, p.10

4. Myths Definitions: “traditional story; an invented story; collective belief that is built up over time” Macquarie Dictionary, 1991, p.1178 “fictional narrative passed on to subsequent generations – such notions often go unchallenged and become reality” McClymont, M., Thomas, S. and Denham, M.J., Health visiting and elderly people: a health promotion challenge (2nd edition), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1991, p.10 Example: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks…” Yurick, A.G., Spier, B.E., Robb, S.S. and Ebert, N.J., The aged person and the nursing process (2nd edition), Connecticut, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1984, p.136 Other examples?

5. Stereotyping Definition: “…sets of generalisations about the characteristics of individuals or groups of people, they are simplistic and often distorted representations” McClymont, M., Thomas, S. and Denham, M.J., Health visiting and elderly people: a health promotion challenge (2nd edition), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1991, p.10 Examples: confusion/mental slowness = dementia retirement is “necessary” – old people are incapable, “old biddy”, “wrinkleys”, Yurick, A.G., Spier, B.E., Robb, S.S. and Ebert, N.J., The aged person and the nursing process (2nd edition), Connecticut, Appleton- Century-Crofts, 1984, p.136

6. Effects of stereotypical and ageist attitudes on client care What are some of these effects? How could these attitudes affect client care? Discuss

7. Effects of stereotypical and ageist attitudes on client care (cont.) Main effect: –hampers individualised care –client is bound by routine –“ the older person is told what to eat, when to wash, sit, stand or lie down - the adults lose touch with what they once were and what they are now. Finally they lose control over what matters most - their own bodies.” Sorlie,1982 in Yurick, A.G., Spier, B.E., Robb, S.S. and Ebert, N.J., The aged person and the nursing process (2nd edition), Connecticut, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1984, p.139

8. Images of ageing “ the IDEAL old person is white haired, inactive, unemployed and enjoys passivity….makes no demands, is docile, accepting loneliness, boredom and other constraints without a murmur. Can live cheerfully on a pittance, having few needs. Is often slightly deficient in intelligence, tiresome in talk, usually asexual and if not, is unseemly!.....Main occupations are religion, reminiscing and attending to the funerals of friends….” Hendricks and Handpicks, 1985, in McClymont, M., Thomas, S. and Denham, M.J., Health visiting and elderly people: a health promotion challenge (2nd edition), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1991, p.11

9. Quiz 1. Which of the following are based on stereotypes? –All old people are incontinent of urine. –All people over 70 have dementia. –All old men are grumpy. –All old women are fussy. –All young people have no common sense. –All people who are homosexual have AIDS. –All migrants cannot speak English. –All males are smarter than females.

10. 2. Which of the following comments are ageist? –Old people cannot learn anything new. –She must be incontinent, she’s over 90. –He cannot have sex, he is 78. –Mrs Daring cannot skydive because she is too old. 3. Which of the following are myths? –Most people over 70 live in nursing homes. –He is blind so is probably deaf as well. –She cannot do anything – she is demented. –Old people do not have sex.