Discrimmination against the Elderly Essay - 955 Words

Robert Butler (1975) was one of the first writers on ageism and he defined it as â€Å"a process of systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old. . . . Old people are categorized as senile, rigid in thought and manner, old fashioned in morality and skills† (p. 35). Ageism is a form of oppression of elders by youth and adults. Ageism intersects with classism and sexism to produce differences in distribution of retirement resources for the elderly. Women of all ethnic groups live longer than men and general have fewer economic or health-care resources than men in their old age. Women, poor and working-class, and people of color often make fewer contributions to Social Security so they have fewer benefits.†¦show more content†¦ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ANALYSIS CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS Stereotyping of elderly has resulted in inappropriate attitudes toward older persons and has conditioned people to think and act in terms of prejudice. The elderly may feel inadequate and helpless. Some even give up on life because they feel excluded. They often forget they are intelligent, fun-loving, creative, powerful, and even sexy human beings. Their age should not define who they are. With the increasing numbers of elderly, this group is the most powerful force in the entire population so they must take control of their lives. Old age was at one time was considered assets because of the experience and wisdom that usually accompanied age. The oppression of ageism intersects with, and actually intensifies, other oppressions such as classism, racism, and homophobia. We must begin to remove the negative stigma that comes with the â€Å"isms.† Our elders should continue to feel valuable assets to society. They want much of the same things as the younger generation such as love and affection, attention, the feeling of belonging, and a desire to be active and vibrant. As a younger person myself, we can be allies for the elderly. As an elderly person, they are their best allies. Working hand-in-hand, we can make a difference. Ageism is seen in the work force, living situations, and in health care. Retirement was used to recycle the workforce with younger counterparts. However, many