Search Results (159)

The institutional drive to deploy digital assistive technologies—from IoT monitoring to AI companions—as a solution to the aging care crisis functions as an ethical double-edged sword. This article argues that beyond isolated risks, these technologies introduce a systemic tension where gains in safety and efficiency often come at the cost of autonomy, human connection, and equity. We propose a critical framework that diagnoses four interconnected dimensions of this tension: (1) the erosion of privacy and autonomy through pervasive surveillance; (2) the risk of dehumanization in high-tech, low-touch interactions; (3) the “digital grey divide” as a social determinant of health; and (4) the perpetuation of “coded ageism” through algorithmic bias. To bridge the gap between ethical principle and practice, the framework translates this diagnosis into a practical roadmap for “Dignity-by-Design.” It operationalizes person-centered care through three actionable shifts: moving from compliance to commitment, replacing static consent with dynamic engagement, and establishing the lived experience of older adults and caregivers as a core design standard via participatory action research. Ultimately, this work provides a critical tool for researchers, developers, and policymakers to guide the ethically aligned implementation of technologies that truly enhance autonomy, foster trust, and uphold dignity in geriatric care. Full article

Ageism—encompassing stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination across age groups—affects how individuals perceive and experience their own ageing. This study, based on a large sample (N = 1047), compared three age cohorts and explored intra-group variability among older adults (65–75 vs. ≥76 years). Results indicated that attitudes towards ageing were influenced by life stage, knowledge about ageing, perceived ageism, and internalised stereotypes. Participants aged 65–75 years showed more favourable attitudes, greater knowledge, and better emotional wellbeing compared to the ≥76 group, which exhibited higher hostile ageism and lower psychological wellbeing. A forward stepwise logistic regression (explained 35.9% of the variance) identified five predictors of a positive self-perception of ageing: lower perceived age discrimination; generally positive attitudinal profile; endorsement of benevolent stereotypes; absence of hostile ageism; and belonging to the 65–75 group. The findings highlighted the psychosocial complexity of ageing and call for interventions promoting positive ageing and reducing ageism. Full article

Population ageing is one of the most significant phenomena of the 21st century. The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between organizational culture (supportive culture, innovative culture, market culture, and rule culture) and ageism (prejudice and discrimination) and whether this relationship is moderated by organizational age (obsolescence, age norms, perceived time and opportunities left, and disengagement phase). The sample for this study comprises 400 participants from organizations across different sectors. This is a quantitative and correlational study. The results indicate that only supportive culture and perceived time and opportunities left have a negative and significant effect on discrimination. As for the moderating effect, only obsolescence moderates the relationship between rule culture and prejudice. Additionally, older employees reported a stronger perception of a supportive culture. Considering the results obtained, a supportive culture can combat discrimination and the high perception of the ageing process, the latter requiring a greater understanding of what is meant by perceived opportunities. Full article

Background/Aim: This study aimed to describe experiences of ageism and to explore related perceptions among older adults registered at an Education Family Health Centre (EFHC) in Türkiye. Methods: This mixed-methods study was conducted with 83 older adults registered with the education family health center (EFHC). In the quantitative part of the study, surveys (the Sociodemographic data form and the Ageism Survey, which evaluates the negative aspects of ageism) were administered face-to-face. In the qualitative section, four semi-structured questions about ageism were asked by phone. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used in the quantitative component of the study, and thematic analysis in the qualitative part. Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.9 ± 4.8 years. According to Ageism Survey, 79.6% of participants gave a score higher than 0 and indicated that they had experienced age discrimination at least once. Eight participants completed the qualitative section, and three themes were identified: (1) Self-directed ageism, (2) Increasing health problems and social isolation with age, and (3) Ageism. Conclusions: In this EFHC-based sample, the majority of participants reported at least one experience of ageism. Social awareness about ageism needs to be increased. Educational interventions can be planned at the micro, meso, and macro levels to raise awareness and combat ageism. Family physicians who serve with a holistic approach can play a pivotal role in this regard. Full article

Background/Objectives. Older adults in under-resourced communities experience high levels of social isolation, chronic illness, and reduced access to healthcare, which can undermine mental well-being. Open Source Wellness’s Community As Medicine^® (CAM) program is an evidence-based, community-delivered, clinically integrated program that combines trauma-informed, culturally-relevant, experiential group health coaching with social connection to improve mental and physical well-being. This qualitative study, conducted in early 2025, examined how participation in CAM supports mental well-being among older adults (age 65+) in under-resourced communities who are managing chronic physical and mental health challenges. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who completed CAM. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore relational and experiential processes associated with improved well-being. Findings. Participants entered CAM with internalized ageist beliefs and low expectations for personal change. As they engaged in new behaviors, experienced successes, and observed similar progress among peers, they gained motivation, confidence, and a sense of control. Four interconnected themes appear to explain the mechanisms through which CAM supports mental well-being: (1) belonging and inclusion through trust and safety; (2) personal accountability through relational accountability; (3) self-efficacy through social learning and reciprocal support; and (4) agency through positive actions. Conclusions. Findings suggest that CAM supports mental well-being by creating conditions that help older adults overcome internalized ageism and feel connected, capable, and in control of their lives. These results identify actionable strategies that community organizations and health systems can adapt to support mental well-being for older adults in under-resourced communities. Full article

Ageism refers to prejudice on the basis of a person’s age, often directed toward older adults. Arab culture represents a pertinent case, as this culture is historically known for its appreciation of older people, but recent studies have indicated high levels of ageism. This systematic integrative review aims to synthesize the attitudes toward older adults in Arab culture and their determining factors. Research was screened using the PRISMA guidelines, and 23 articles were included for synthesis. Thematic and content analyses were performed, from which five themes emerged: “demographic factors”, “psychological factors”, “knowledge of ageing”, “sociocultural factors and aspects” and “self-ageism and ageing experiences”. Knowledge of aging and close interpersonal relationships with older adults were associated with lower levels of ageism and more positive attitudes. Sociocultural aspects, including the low socioeconomic status in most Arab countries, seem to be associated with ageism. Moreover, individual factors like low self-esteem, low empathy, and high death anxiety were related to negative attitudes toward older adults. The review also underlines the experiences and self-ageism among older people. The article provides insights into ageism directed towards older adults in Arab culture and ties knowledge with practice by highlighting the social and policy implications of the findings. Full article

Background: This study aimed to examine correlation between nurses’ assessments of health literacy in older adults, communication skills, and ageism, as well as whether these factors could be key predictors of nurse burnout. Methods: To determine which factors predict burnout among clinical nurses, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 269 clinical nurses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Elderly patients’ health literacy assessed by nurses showed significant correlations with communication skills, ageism, and burnout. Communication skills were negatively correlated with ageism and burnout, whereas ageism showed a strong positive correlation with burnout. Multiple regression analysis revealed that ageism (β = 0.287), communication skills (β = −0.251), female gender (β = 0.139), and aging anxiety (β = −0.181)were significant predictors of burnout, collectively explaining 29.3% of the variance in burnout. Conclusions: Ageism was the strongest predictor of burnout among clinical nurses, followed by communication skills. Strategies reducing ageism and enhancing communication competencies are essential for mitigating burnout in geriatric nursing practice. These findings highlight the need for systematic educational interventions related to the elderly tailored for both nursing students and clinical nurses. Full article

This article examines Norah Hoult’s 1929 short story “Miss Jocelyn,” from her short story collection Poor Women!, as an intertextual response to James Joyce’s representation of single women in the short story “Eveline” included in his landmark 1914 collection Dubliners. Drawing on Katherine Fama and Jorie Lagerwey’s work on singlehood, I suggest that Hoult challenges the dichotomy of “married” versus “premarried” that Joyce critiques in “Eveline”. At the same time, Hoult’s portrait of Miss Jocelyn powerfully engages the material and social factors that so often condition single women’s lives. She considers not only Miss Joceyln’s awareness and loss of her former independence, but also the ways that ageism compromises her options and agency. While both stories examine the disempowerment of women, “Miss Joceyln” highlights the loss of agency, the financial dependency, and the societal dismissal to which celibate older women were often subject in early twentieth-century Ireland and Britain, thus treating celibacy as a “third space”—an option not proffered in Joyce’s work. Full article

Background: In a context of profound transformation within Public Administration, the growing generational diversity of the workforce poses critical challenges to organisational well-being. While ageism is a known risk, the intersectionality of age and gender—manifesting as gendered ageism—remains an under-explored area that can significantly undermine job satisfaction and employee health. Objective: This study aimed to explore the subjective work experience of public sector employees, specifically focusing on intergenerational relations and the impact of gendered ageism. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted involving 30 employees of the Italian Public Administration, recruited via purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 38 min and analysed using a thematic analysis of elementary contexts via T-Lab software. Results: The analysis revealed four distinct thematic clusters positioned along two main factor axes (Individual/Organisation and Difficulties/Potential). The results show a dichotomy: while positive relationships with colleagues (Cluster 1) and the drive for change (Cluster 4) act as potential resources, the experience is marred by significant difficulties. These include organisational imbalances (Cluster 3) and, crucially, specific experiences of gendered ageism (Cluster 2), manifesting as stereotypes, pressure on women’s physical appearance, and exclusionary dynamics. Conclusions: The findings highlight that gendered ageism is a distinct stressor impacting workforce sustainability. Combating intersectional discrimination represents a strategic priority to safeguard well-being, retain skills, and build a healthy, resilient, and productive working environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ageism is a pervasive form of prejudice that undermines health, social participation, and intergenerational solidarity, yet validated research tools for measuring ageism are lacking in many countries. The Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) is one of the widely used instruments, but its psychometric properties have not previously been examined in the Czech context. This study aimed to translate the 29-item FSA, evaluate its reliability and validity, and describe ageism across generations. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey based on face-to-face interviews was conducted in March 2024 among the Czech population aged 15–74 years (n = 1096). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, internal consistency indices (Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, Composite Reliability, Average Variance Extracted), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on a random half-sample, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the second half. Construct validity was also examined. Results: The Czech FSA showed very good distributional characteristics with no floor or ceiling effects and excellent internal consistency (α = 0.949; subscales α = 0.848–0.898). EFA replicated the original three-factor structure (Antilocution, Avoidance, and Discrimination) explaining 57.6% of variance. CFA supported this structure with good-to-excellent model fit. FSA scores increased systematically from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, indicating higher ageism among younger cohorts. Higher fear of old age, lower education, an earlier subjective boundary of old age, and absence of an older co-resident were associated with higher ageism scores. Conclusions: The Czech version of the FSA is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing ageist attitudes in the Czech population. Its robust psychometric properties and sensitivity to theoretically relevant correlates support its use for monitoring ageism, evaluating interventions, and enabling cross-national comparisons in aging research and policy. Full article

Ageism remains a pervasive yet under-addressed form of workplace discrimination, affecting employees across age groups. This study, conducted within the framework of the EU-funded project SNAW–Say No to Ageism in the Workplace, presents findings from a cross-national survey in Germany, Romania, Ireland, Portugal, and Greece, with 511 participants including employees and employers. The survey examined five dimensions of workplace ageism (cognitive, emotional, behavioural, institutional, and outcome-related) through questions on stereotypes, experiences, organisational practices, and perceived impacts. Results indicate that age-based stereotypes are widely recognised, especially in Germany, Ireland, and Greece. Older workers were often portrayed as resistant to change or technologically outdated, while younger workers were described as inexperienced or unreliable. Despite some positive perceptions, these ambivalent views contribute to exclusionary dynamics. Employees consistently reported higher levels of ageism than employers, revealing a “perception gap”. Institutional responses were uneven: awareness of policies or initiatives promoting age diversity was low, and their effectiveness remained uncertain. Across countries, respondents linked ageism to reduced job satisfaction and productivity, though the perceived severity varied. The findings highlight ageism as a multifaceted challenge that undermines well-being and organisational performance. Counteracting it requires raising awareness, transparent communication, inclusive policies, and leadership engagement across Europe. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the opinions and experiences of older adults regarding age-based discrimination in healthcare. Method: The study is based on the analysis of data from 492 older adult respondents aged 60–84, with the mean age of 71.6 ± 6.6 years, who completed and returned anonymous questionnaires sent to their homes. Results: Most of the respondents (74.8%) believed that the state does not consistently improve the protection of older persons’ rights. Nearly half (42.5%) reported that healthcare services are not provided equally to younger and older people. A significant proportion of respondents (41.1%) reported experiencing age-based discrimination themselves, having responded affirmatively to at least three out of nine statements indicating discriminatory experiences. Poor health status and financial hardships emerged as the primary factors associated with multidimensional discrimination experienced by older adults. More than half (64.0%) of respondents believed that discriminatory attitudes towards older people are rooted in healthcare professionals’ internal cultural norms. Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate the need to change the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards older adults. There is an urgent need for the targeted professional education on this issue. Full article

Background: Ageism and age-related discrimination are growing public health concerns that can have detrimental effects on the health of older adults. However, their association with nutritional health remains unexplored. This study explored the association between age discrimination and nutritional risk among older adults in Republic of Korea. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2023 National Survey of Older Korean. 9951 adults aged ≥ 65 years from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans. Age discrimination was assessed based on the reported experiences in six everyday settings: public transportation; commercial facilities; public institutions; healthcare facilities; workplaces; and family. Nutritional status was measured using the Nutrition Screening Initiative and categorized into low; moderate; and high nutritional risk groups. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the association between age discrimination and nutritional risk and estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The mean age of participants was 74.0 years. Among the participants, 73.7% reported no age discrimination, whereas 15.4%, 6.0%, and 4.9% experienced age discrimination in one; two; and three or more settings, respectively. After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and health factors, compared to individuals who did not experience age discrimination, those who experienced discrimination in one, two, or three or more dimensions had 1.40-fold (95% CI: 1.17–1.69), 1.46-fold (95% CI: 1.13–1.89), and 1.89-fold (95% CI: 1.44–2.48) higher odds of being at high nutritional risk, respectively. Conclusion: Age discrimination exposure may be a risk factor for poor nutritional health in older adults. Policy efforts are needed to reduce age-related discrimination and stigmatization and promote equitable conditions for healthy aging. Full article

Background: Aging populations make expanded workforce participation among older adults an economic and public health priority. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of virtual work, providing new opportunities for healthy aging in the workplace through increased flexibility and less physical strain. However, digital exclusion, ergonomically challenging tasks, and social isolation can limit these opportunities for older populations. Objective: This scoping review aimed to synthesize interdisciplinary research on the relationship between remote work and labor force participation among adults aged 45 years and older, focusing on health-related outcomes, barriers, and facilitators. Methods: Following the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across seven databases for peer-reviewed and gray literature published between 2000 and 2025. Of 2108 records screened, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized charting tool and analyzed thematically. Results: Most studies were published after 2020 and originated in North America (45%) and Europe (40%). Core barriers included digital exclusion, ageism, and adverse ergonomic environments. Facilitators involved flexible working hours, a supportive organizational environment, and digital skills. Health-related outcomes such as stress reduction and improved well-being were commonly reported. However, only 18% of studies assessed policy effects, and very few examined intersectionality (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status). Conclusions: Remote and flexible work options can improve the health and participation of older adults in the workforce, but technology, infrastructure, and social barriers remain. Age-inclusive policies, digital equity efforts, and inclusive workplace practices are necessary to maximize the benefits of remote arrangements for aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perceived ageism has been increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of the health and well-being of older adults. However, the cross-cultural validation of instruments measuring ageism remains limited. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ-TR). Methods: Content validity was assessed by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Construct validity was examined using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Convergent validity was tested through correlations with the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and AMOS v22 (IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 307 older adults (137 men and 170 women) participated in the study. The mean age was 71.19 (6.96) years, and 55.7% of the participants were female. An EFA confirmed the original two-factor structure, explaining 61.2% of the total variance, which was subsequently verified by a CFA, showing a good model fit. EFA confirmed the original two-factor structure, explaining 61.2% of the total variance (Kaiser-Meyer–Olkin = 0.82; Bartlett’s χ²(28) = 412.5, p < 0.001). The structure was subsequently verified by CFA, which demonstrated an excellent model fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.97; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.96; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.052; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.041). The Negative subscale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha (α) = 0.84; McDonald’s Omega (ω) = 0.85), whereas the Positive subscale indicated moderate reliability (α = 0.58; ω = 0.60). The test–retest reliability was excellent, reflecting strong temporal stability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0.91). Convergent validity showed that the positive subscale was related to positive aging perceptions and less to negative ones, while the negative subscale showed the opposite pattern. Conclusions: The PAQ-TR demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for assessing perceived ageism among older adults in Türkiye. While the Negative subscale showed robust reliability, the positive subscale required refinement. These findings highlight both the cross-cultural validity of the PAQ and the influence of cultural norms on positive aging perception. The PAQ-TR is a valuable tool for research and clinical practice. Full article