Doctors and ageism.

Doctors and ageism.

Ageism, defined as "discrimination against the old on the grounds of their being old,"' emerged as a concept in the United States in the 1960s and promptly joined racism and sexism in the rogues' gallery of social attitudes unacceptable to pressure groups. The Grey Panthers, having found their demon, fought it with commendable zeal and effect. People, it seemed, could be made to feel uncomforta...

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...

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, ...

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...