Confronting Ageism in Healthcare | Cedars-Sinai

The Impact of Ageism on Health and Well-being

Many individuals experience difficulties in remembering important appointments or misplacing personal belongings on a daily basis. While some dismiss these incidents as mere “senior moments,” it is a cause for concern for others.

During visits to the doctor’s office, individuals may question why their vision is blurred or if their heart medication is causing fatigue, without receiving satisfactory explanations. Instead, doctors often attribute these symptoms to the natural process of aging and adopt a condescending tone, as if speaking to a child.

The Prevalence of Ageism in Healthcare

Ageism, the discrimination based on age, is a significant yet often overlooked barrier to good health. According to the U.S. National Health and Retirement data, approximately 20% of people over the age of 50 face age-based discrimination in healthcare. This discrimination can have severe consequences, including cognitive decline, increased hospital stays, disability, deteriorating health and quality of life, and depression. In the long run, these negative attitudes towards older adults can even shorten their lives.

“Ageism is probably the most under-recognized unconscious bias,” stated Dr. Sonja Rosen, Chief of Geriatrics at Cedars-Sinai.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Ageism

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ageism poses a significant threat to achieving this goal. Discrimination in healthcare prevents older adults from receiving proper medical attention and can lead to adverse health outcomes.
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Age-based discrimination perpetuates inequalities among different age groups. It is crucial to address ageism to promote equality and inclusivity.
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Creating age-friendly environments is essential for the well-being of older adults. Ageism hinders the development of such communities and prevents older individuals from fully participating in society.
4. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborative efforts are necessary to combat ageism effectively. By fostering partnerships between healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities, we can work towards eliminating age-based discrimination and promoting healthy aging.

Conclusion

Ageism is a pervasive issue that significantly impacts the health and well-being of older adults. Recognizing and addressing age-based discrimination is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, equality, and sustainable communities. By challenging ageist attitudes and fostering inclusive environments, we can create a society that values and supports individuals of all ages.

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
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses ageism as a barrier to good health and highlights the discrimination faced by people over 50 in healthcare. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, age-based discrimination contributes to reduced inequalities, aligning with SDG 10.

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

• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age.

The article highlights the need for universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their age. This aligns with SDG 3.8. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of promoting social inclusion and reducing age-based discrimination, which relates to SDG 10.2.

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

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does not explicitly mention these indicators. Possible indicators could include:

• Percentage of individuals over 50 who report experiencing age-based discrimination in healthcare
• Availability and accessibility of quality healthcare services for older adults
• Percentage of healthcare professionals trained to address ageism and provide equitable care
• Reduction in health disparities among different age groups

These indicators would help measure progress in achieving universal health coverage, reducing age-based discrimination, and promoting social inclusion.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The indicators mentioned in the table are examples and not explicitly mentioned in the article.

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Source: cedars-sinai.org

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