Age Discrimination and Cognitive Decline in Older Koreans – BIOENGINEER.ORG

Report on the Link Between Age Discrimination and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Introduction

A study based on the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, conducted by researchers Su Baek and JH Yoon, establishes a significant correlation between perceived age discrimination and cognitive impairment among older adults. This report analyzes the study’s findings and their profound implications for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning health, equality, and inclusive societies.

Key Findings of the Study

• Direct Correlation: A direct link was identified between experiences of age discrimination and a notable decline in cognitive function and mental well-being among older adults.
• Psychological Impact: Ageism induces chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, which are known to hinder neural processes and accelerate the deterioration of cognitive functions like memory.
• Manifestations of Ageism: Discrimination was observed in various forms, including derogatory stereotypes, social exclusion, and inadequate healthcare services, creating a cycle that reinforces negative societal attitudes.
• Protective Factors: Strong social support systems and active community engagement were found to mitigate the experience of discrimination and were associated with better cognitive health outcomes.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The research underscores the critical role of social factors in public health and highlights the need for integrated strategies to meet global development targets. The findings are directly relevant to several SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The study demonstrates that age discrimination is a significant social determinant of health, directly undermining the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Addressing ageism is a public health imperative to prevent cognitive decline and improve mental well-being in aging populations.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   Ageism is a form of inequality that marginalizes a significant demographic. The findings call for urgent action to reduce inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of older persons, thereby fulfilling a core target of SDG 10.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The protective effect of community engagement highlights the importance of creating inclusive and age-friendly environments. Fostering communities that value and integrate older adults is essential for making human settlements inclusive, safe, and sustainable.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   The study’s call for policy re-evaluation to combat ageism aligns with the goal of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Protecting older adults from discrimination through robust policies and legal frameworks is a measure of a just and inclusive society.

Recommendations for Policy and Action

To address the issues identified and advance the SDGs, the following actions are recommended:

• Public Health Initiatives: Develop and implement educational programs to raise public awareness about the detrimental health impacts of ageism.
• Holistic Healthcare: Integrate mental and social health support into elder care protocols, training healthcare providers to recognize and address the effects of discrimination.
• Policy Reform: Re-evaluate and strengthen policies related to elder care, anti-discrimination, and workplace inclusion to protect the rights and dignity of older adults.
• Community Programs: Promote and fund initiatives that foster intergenerational connections and encourage the active participation of older adults in society, thereby building social cohesion and support networks.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article directly links age discrimination to adverse health outcomes, specifically cognitive impairment and declining mental well-being in older adults.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The central theme of the article is age discrimination, a form of inequality that leads to the social exclusion and marginalization of older adults.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article highlights the protective role of social support and community engagement in mitigating the negative effects of discrimination, pointing to the need for inclusive community environments.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article’s focus on cognitive decline (a non-communicable condition) and the psychological ramifications of discrimination, such as stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, directly relates to promoting mental health and well-being.
  2. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services… The article mentions that older adults may receive “inadequate healthcare services due to preconceived notions,” which connects to the goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.
• Under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  1. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age… The article discusses how age discrimination leads to “social exclusion” and “marginalization,” and calls for fostering “inclusive environments that empower older individuals.”
  2. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices… The article urges a “re-evaluation of policies surrounding elder care and the promotion of initiatives to combat ageism,” directly aligning with this target.
• Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  1. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for… older persons… While not about physical spaces, the article’s emphasis on the need for “inclusive environments” and “community engagement” to protect older adults from discrimination and improve their health outcomes aligns with the principle of creating inclusive communities for all ages.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
  • Indicator: Prevalence of cognitive impairment and poor mental well-being among older adults. The article is based on a study linking age discrimination to “notable declines in cognitive function,” “memory loss,” and “diminished ability to perform daily tasks.” Measuring the rates of these conditions in the older population would serve as a direct indicator of progress.
  • Indicator: Reports of inadequate healthcare services by older adults. The article states that older adults may receive “inadequate healthcare services.” Surveying seniors about their access to and quality of care would be an indicator for Target 3.8.
• For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
  • Indicator: Proportion of the older population reporting having personally felt discriminated against on the basis of age. The entire study is based on the “2023 National Survey of Older Koreans,” which measured the “prevalence of perceived age discrimination.” This survey method is a direct indicator for measuring progress against ageism.
  • Indicator: Level of social inclusion and community engagement among older adults. The article suggests that “strong social ties” and being “actively involved in their communities” are protective factors. Therefore, measuring the participation rates of seniors in social and community activities can be an implied indicator of their inclusion.
• For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
  • Indicator: Proportion of older adults who report feeling a sense of community belonging and support. The article underscores the “protective effects of social support and community engagement.” An indicator could be derived from surveys measuring seniors’ perceptions of their social connectedness and the inclusivity of their local communities.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: bioengineer.org