1. Respect aging Section 1: RECOGNITION Module 5: Diversity, ageism and violence Violence Prevention Initiative Respect Aging: Preventing Violence against Older Persons

2. Respect aging Agenda Welcome Learning together: Diversity, ageism and violence Small group activity Reporting back to whole group Wrap-up / Evaluation

3. Respect aging Diversity & older persons in NL Oldest population in Canada Age diversity in NL (2011) 48,855 people 65-74 24,695 people 75-84 8,560 people 85+ Each age group has differing needs More diversity: sex, ethnicity, ability, health status

4. Respect aging Dimensions of diversity Primary dimensions Secondary dimensions

5. Respect aging Dimensions of diversity: visibility Primary dimensions Secondary dimensions

6. Respect aging Differences can lead to… Prejudice Stereotyping Discrimination

7. Respect aging Prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination… Ignorance and fear Preserve power and control Violence and threats Claims of natural superiority

8. Respect aging Prejudice A negative attitude Tends to be driven by emotion Means to “pre-judge” Can lead to dehumanization

9. Respect aging Stereotype A generalization Don’t see individual differences Family, peers, media, society Don’t see the whole person

10. Respect aging Discrimination An action (or lack of action) Based on prejudiced attitudes and stereotypes Denial of fair treatment or equal rights

11. Respect aging Stereotype, prejudice or discrimination? 1. “She is a woman so she knows how to cook and clean.” 2. “I don’t care if he has a good reference; we don’t hire men to work in this day care centre.” 3. “They are wearing turbans; stay away from them – they might be hiding bombs.” 4. “Mexicans are good soccer players.” 5. “Old people are frail.” 6. “That lady is too old for this job.”

12. Respect aging “isms” Ageism Ableism Classism Heterosexism Racism Sexism

13. Respect aging Ageism Ageist attitudes towards older people contribute toward their invisibility, marginalization and social exclusion. They are seen as second-class citizens.

14. Respect aging Age Ability Mental status Sexual orientation Sex, gender Aboriginal Rural, isolated Income Housing Culture/language Food preferences Education, literacy Marital status Health status Dimensions of diversity that may cause challenges for older persons

15. Respect aging Violence impacts different older persons in different ways Older women Older immigrants, refugees Older Aboriginal persons Older persons living with disabilities Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender older persons Older persons living with HIV/AIDS Isolated and rural older persons

16. Respect aging So what can you do?

17. Respect aging Increase awareness Ensure differences are respectfully acknowledged and addressed Avoid stereotyping older persons or any persons Be aware of cultural differences Be aware of gender differences

18. Respect aging Take action against ageism Examine your own biases Question ageist language and images Challenge ageist “jokes” Do not discriminate Respect and celebrate all ages Be curious, not judgmental Learn about aging in other cultures