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Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Aging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2023) | Viewed by 52356

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Rosa Donizzetti

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Guest Editor

Department of Humanities, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80133 Naples, Italy
Interests: ageism; older worker; well-being; sense of justice; self-efficacy; locus of control; risk perception and illusory beliefs

Prof. Dr. Martine Lagacé

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Guest Editor

Department of Communication, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
Interests: stereotypes and age discrimination; social identity, ageism and psychosocial aspects of aging; intergroup relations, intergenerational communication; communication and knowledge transfer in the workplace

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Demographic changes, due to longer average lifespans and lower birth rates, are impacting all nations in diﬀerent ways. The eﬀect of these changes is a large increase in the elderly population, which forces us to consider aging as a social problem with a global impact, which faces researchers and society with the need to address the issue of prejudice against the elderly. Ageism, in fact, can influence society’s attitude towards this segment of the population as well as the perception that the elderly have of themselves, with negative effects on their physical and mental health. However, global health strategies for years have not considered ageism as a modifiable risk factor. This situation is changing, as the WHO (2015) has identified reducing ageism as a key target for improving human health. The interventions conducted so far have highlighted a substantial reduction in ageism with significant effects on attitudes and knowledge, especially when intergenerational contact was used as an intervention strategy.

This Special Issue seeks theoretical, methodological, and empirical papers with the aim of deepening this theme and filling the deep gaps that exist on this complex phenomenon. Therefore, we welcome the theoretical reflections and methodological insights essential for any research and intervention-research activity. Our interest is also directed to those studies that aim to obtain a greater knowledge of this phenomenon both from the side of the elderly and from that of the younger ones, in the different contexts of life.

Dr. Anna Rosa Donizzetti
Prof. Dr. Martine Lagacé
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

ageism
stereotypes against the elderly
ageism and human health
intergenerational contact
knowledge
older worker

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healthcare Professionals’ Views and Perspectives towards Aging

by Peggy Palsgaard, Christian A. Maino Vieytes, Natasha Peterson, Sarah L. Francis, Lillie Monroe-Lord, Nadine R. Sahyoun, Melissa Ventura-Marra, Lee Weidauer, Furong Xu and Anna E. Arthur

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315870 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

Improving care for the older population is a growing clinical need in the United States. Ageism and other attitudes of healthcare professionals can negatively impact care for older adults. This study investigated healthcare professionals’ (N = 140) views towards aging and characterized a confluence of factors influencing ageism perspectives in healthcare workers using path analysis models. These models proposed relationships between aging anxiety, expectations regarding aging, age, ageism, and knowledge. Aging anxiety had a less critical role in the final model than hypothesized and influenced ageism in healthcare workers through its negative effect (

β

= −0.27) on expectations regarding aging. In contrast, aging knowledge (

β

= −0.23), age (

β

= −0.27), and expectations regarding aging (

β

= −0.48) directly and inversely influenced ageism. Increased knowledge about the aging process could lower ageism amongst healthcare professionals and improve care for older adults. The results put forth in this study help to characterize and understand healthcare workers’ complex views towards the aging population they often encounter. Moreover, these results highlight the need and utility of leveraging practitioner education for combating ageism in the clinical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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10 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Depressive Symptoms and Ageism among Nursing Home Residents: The Role of Social Support

by Dongjuan Xu, Yaqi Wang, Ming Li, Meng Zhao, Zhenhua Yang and Kefang Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912105 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1971

Abstract

(1) Background: Ageism refers to the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against older individuals or groups based on their age. This study investigates the modifying role of social support in the relationship between depressive symptoms and ageism in China; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 21 nursing homes in Jinan from March to June in 2019. The data were analyzed through a multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear model; (3) The analysis showed that older adults in nursing homes experienced moderate levels of ageism. There were significant interaction effects between depressive symptoms and social support on overall ageism and objective ageism after controlling for covariates (p < 0.05). As the level of social support increased, the predicted ageism greatly reduced among older adults without depressive symptoms when compared to those with depressive symptoms; (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of identifying strategies to enhance social support and reduce depressive symptoms for nursing home residents. Having positive attitudes toward aging and overcoming negative age-related stereotypes may benefit older adults’ physical and mental health, well-being, and help to promote an age-friendly society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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13 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are You Willing to Protect the Health of Older People? Intergenerational Contact and Ageism as Predictors of Attitudes toward the COVID-19 Vaccination Passport

by Emilio Paolo Visintin and Alessandra Tasso

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 11061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191711061 - 04 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1626

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vulnerability of older people to COVID-19 has been stressed in political discourse and the mass media, with the call to protect older adults. Therefore, policies aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus, such as the COVID-19 vaccination passport policy, might be perceived as policies aimed at preserving the health of older people, and negative attitudes toward older people (i.e., ageism) might underlie negative attitudes toward such policies. While intergenerational contact is one of the main antecedents of reduced ageism, the pandemic has forced people to separate, and direct intergenerational contact in particular might have been reduced, possibly being replaced by telephone and virtual contact. In a correlational study (N = 153 Italian university students) we found that quantity and quality of direct intergenerational contact diminished during the pandemic. Virtual intergenerational contact was unexpectedly less frequent than direct contact. Quality of direct contact before the pandemic was associated, over and above the effects of other contact forms under investigation, with reduced ageism, which was in turn associated with negative attitude toward the vaccination passport. Findings will be discussed focusing on the roles of intergenerational contact and ageism for public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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21 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Subjective Experience of Ageism: The Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ)

by Lotte P. Brinkhof, Sanne de Wit, Jaap M. J. Murre, Harm J. Krugers and K. Richard Ridderinkhof

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148792 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3418

Abstract

Ageism as perceived by older individuals has been recognized as a potential risk factor for physical and mental health. We aimed to develop a comprehensive scale that can quantify perceived ageism among aging individuals (55+), including both positive and negative stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminations. This effort resulted in an 8-item Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ-8), with good psychometric properties and a two-factor structure distinguishing a positive (3 items) and negative (5 items) subscale (Analysis 1; n = 500). This dimensionality was confirmed in a separate cross-validation sample (Analysis 2; n = 500). The subscales’ correlation patterns with individuals’ self-perceptions of aging and mental health variables (i.e., quality of life, mental well-being, depression, anxiety, loneliness and perceived stress) accorded with theoretical hypotheses and existing knowledge of the concept of ageism. The PAQ-8 can help to gather more standardized data of the level, role and impact of perceived ageism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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14 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Testing the Shielding Effect of Intergenerational Contact against Ageism in the Workplace: A Canadian Study

by Martine Lagacé, Anna Rosa Donizzetti, Lise Van de Beeck, Caroline D. Bergeron, Philippe Rodrigues-Rouleau and Audrey St-Amour

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084866 - 16 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3462

Abstract

Negative outcomes of ageism in the context of the Canadian labor market are well documented. Older workers remain the target of age-based stereotypes and attitudes on the part of employers. This study aims at assessing (1) the extent to which quality and quantity intergroup contacts between younger and older workers as well as knowledge-sharing practices reduce ageist attitudes, in turn (2) how a decrease in ageist attitudes increase the level of workers’ engagement and intentions to remain in the organization. Data were collected from 603 Canadian workers (aged 18 to 68 years old) from private and public organizations using an online survey measuring concepts under study. Results of a path analysis suggest that intergroup contacts and knowledge-sharing practices are associated with positive attitudes about older workers. More so, positive attitudes about older workers generate higher levels of work engagement, which in turn are associated with stronger intentions to remain with the organization. However, positive attitudes about older workers had no effect on intentions to remain in the workplace. Results are discussed in light of the intergroup contact theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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15 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 and the Elderly’s Mental Illness: The Role of Risk Perception, Social Isolation, Loneliness and Ageism

by Anna Rosa Donizzetti and Martine Lagacé

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084513 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3388

Abstract

For almost two years, populations around the globe faced precariousness and uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults were highly affected by the virus, and the policies meant to protect them have often resulted in ageist stereotypes and discrimination. For example, the public discourse around older adults had a paternalistic tone framing all older adults as “vulnerable”. This study aimed to measure the extent to which perceived age discrimination in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sense of loneliness and social isolation, fear and perception of COVID-19 risks, had a negative effect on older adults’ mental illness. To do so, a self-report questionnaire was administered to 1301 participants (average age: 77.25 years old, SD = 5.46; 56.10% females, 43.90% males). Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed, along with structural equation modelling. Results showed that perceived age discrimination in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic positively predicts loneliness and also indirectly predicts mental illness. In addition, loneliness is the strongest predictor of mental illness together with fear of COVID-19 and social isolation. Such results highlight the importance of implementing public policies and discourses that are non-discriminating, and that favour the inclusion of older people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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7 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ageist Communication Experienced by Middle-Aged and Older Canadians

by Alison L. Chasteen, Sali A. Tagliamonte, Katharina Pabst and Samantha Brunet

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042004 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1881

Abstract

Ageism has been well-documented in the United States, but ageism experiences in Canada remain less well-known. To address this gap, in the current research middle-aged and older Canadians completed a conversational interview in which they described their ageism experiences. Their descriptions were coded for life domain, perpetrator, and type of ageist communication. The most common domain in which ageist communication occurred was the public sphere, with perpetrators most often being strangers. Ageist communication most often involved age-based social or physical assumptions about the participant. In combination, these findings detail how ageism manifests in the everyday lives of Canadians and contribute to understanding the nuances of the expression of ageism in North America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

19 pages, 5540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health and Protective Measures for Seniors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Opinion of Polish Society

by Marta Podhorecka, Anna Pyszora, Agnieszka Woźniewicz, Jakub Husejko and Kornelia Kędziora-Kornatowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179230 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1946

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the opinion of society on the individual care and protection measures towards seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the relationship of opinions with demographic data, knowledge about aging and own experience in contacts with the elderly was examined. The study involved 923 attendees from Poland. The tools used to assess the research problem were: demographic characteristics, a Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ), the author’s questionnaire about preventive and protective measures for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed that over 50% of participants were against designating shopping hours for seniors. The analysis showed that negative attitudes were more often expressed by women than by men; younger people and those declaring that they do not spend too much time with the elderly. In the matter of vaccination priority for the elderly, over 70% participants replied “rather yes” or “definitely yes”. The use of the age criterion in situations of limited access to medications and ventilators was supported mainly by learners, with high results of the FAQ, and professionals dealing with seniors. Finally, almost 56% of participants declared that their contacts with seniors were the same as before the pandemic, while merely 1.6% indicated that they avoid contact with them entirely. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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13 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ageist Attitudes Are Associated with Will-to-Live and Moderated by Age, Medical Conditions and Attitudes toward Aging

by Racheli-Lital Gvili and Ehud Bodner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6736; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136736 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2748

Abstract

The extent to which older adults’ ageist attitudes associate with their will-to-live has barely been studied. Moreover, whether this effect is moderated by older adults’ age, medical conditions, and attitudes toward their own aging has not been investigated. These associations were examined by two studies. Study 1 examined the relationship between ageist attitudes and will-to-live among individuals aged 48–97, and the moderating roles of age and medical conditions on this connection. Study 2 reassessed this connection in a new sample of older adults (people aged 60–94 years) and examined the moderating role of their attitudes toward aging in this regard. In line with the hypothesis of the first study, ageist attitudes and will-to-live were negatively associated among older adults with more medical conditions. In accordance with the hypotheses of study 2, the ageist attitudes and will-to-live connection was reconstructed, and when regressed on the ageist attitudes × attitudes toward aging interaction, it remained significant only among those with increased ageist attitudes. These findings demonstrate the negative effect that ageist attitudes may have on will-to-live, especially among the very old, and particularly when their health deteriorates, and support the utility of interventions aimed at increasing their will-to-live. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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Review

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24 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessReview

Scoping Review on Ageism against Younger Populations

by Vânia de la Fuente-Núñez, Ella Cohn-Schwartz, Senjooti Roy and Liat Ayalon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083988 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8923

Abstract

Systematic efforts have been carried out to study ageism against older populations. Less is known about ageism against younger populations, including how it is defined, how it manifests, its effects, and how it can be addressed. A scoping review was conducted aimed at identifying available evidence on these topics. A comprehensive search strategy was used across thirteen databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Records were screened by two independent reviewers. Data extraction was done by one rater and independently reviewed by a second rater. Of the 9270 records identified, 263 were eligible for inclusion. Most of the evidence focused on the manifestation of ageism (86%), followed by a focus on the determinants of ageism (17%), available interventions to address ageism (9%), and the effects of ageism (5%). This study points to the inconsistent terminology used to describe ageism against younger populations and the relatively limited theoretical rationale that guides existing studies. It also highlights key research gaps and points to the strengths of existing research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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27 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessReview

Determinants of Ageism against Older Adults: A Systematic Review

by Sibila Marques, João Mariano, Joana Mendonça, Wouter De Tavernier, Moritz Hess, Laura Naegele, Filomena Peixeiro and Daniel Martins

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072560 - 08 Apr 2020

Cited by 124 | Viewed by 18007

Abstract

Ageism is a widespread phenomenon and constitutes a significant threat to older people’s well-being. Identifying the factors contributing to ageism is critical to inform policies that minimise its societal impact. In this systematic review, we gathered and summarised empirical studies exploring the key determinants of ageism against older people for a period of over forty years (1970–2017). A comprehensive search using fourteen databases identified all published records related to the umbrella concept of “ageism”. Reviewers independently screened the final pool to identify all papers focusing on determinants, according to a predefined list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. All relevant information was extracted and summarised following a narrative synthesis approach. A total of 199 papers were included in this review. We identified a total of 14 determinants as robustly associated with ageism. Of these, 13 have an effect on other-directed ageism, and one on self-directed ageism. The quality of contact with older people and the positive or negative presentation of older people to others emerged as the most robust determinants of other-directed ageism; self-directed ageism is mostly determined by older adults’ health status. Given the correlational nature of most studies included in this review, inferences on causality should be made cautiously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageism and Its Effects in Different Life Contexts)

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