Combating ageism

Cancer and ageism

The number of cancer cases being diagnosed is increasing. The single most important risk factor for the development of cancer is ageing. Improvements in cancer care over recent decades are substantial, however improvements in five year survival rates are less pronounced in elderly patients [1]. Do the association of cancer and ageing and the care for elderly cancer patients receive the attentio...

In defence of ageism.

In defence of ageism.

Health care should be preferentially allocated to younger patients. This is just and is seen as just. Age is an objective factor in rationing decisions. The arguments against 'ageism' are answered. The effects of age on current methods of rationing are illustrated, and the practical applications of an age-related criterion are discussed. Ageist policies are in current use and open discussion of...

Aging and Ageism

Last year, I published a paper investigating ageism in US and Canadian samples, aged 40-72 years [1]. Results revealed two interesting (yet troubling) results. First, Ageism Survey scores increased as scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) increased for both samples. That is, those experiencing an ageism event once or more than once reported greater GDS-SF scores. Second, ...

Ageism within feminism.

Recently there has been heightened interest in linking feminist theory and nursing science. However, neither feminists nor feminist nursing scholars have included aging women in their analyses. This paper analyzes liberal, radical and socialist feminist theories and discusses the gap within all three vis-a-vis aging women. A case is presented for including aging women within feminist thinking a...