An Inquiry into the Positive Personal and Social Effects of Old Age Stereotypes among the Elderly

1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Kearl
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Social Effects ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Alternative Perspective

Much has been written or inferred about the detrimental consequences of old age stereotypes for elderly individuals. This paper presents and tests an alternative perspective called relative advantage. As the reciprocal counterpart of relative deprivation theory, this perspective claims that such stereotypes may be psychologically and sociologically functional for the old to believe. Using the results of the 1975 Louis Harris-NCOA “The Myth and Reality of Aging in America” survey, two hypotheses were tested: 1) those who feel other older individuals are worse off than themselves will have higher life satisfaction scores than those perceiving others to be as well or better off; 2) these imputations of others' difficulties correlate with one's likelihood to support and join coalitions on behalf of the old and to approve government taxing of all age groups to support them. The evidence presented raises some dysfunctional implications of debunking aging myths.

scholarly journals Age-related mortality in 61,993 confirmed COVID-19 cases over three epidemic waves in Aragon, Spain. Implications for vaccination programmes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261061
Author(s):  
Diego Casas-Deza ◽  
Vanesa Bernal-Monterde ◽  
Angel Nicolás Aranda-Alonso ◽  
Enrique Montil-Miguel ◽  
Ana Belen Julián-Gomara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rapid Progression ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Age Related

Background Risk for severe COVID-19 increases with age. Different vaccination strategies are currently being considered, including those aimed at slowing down transmission and those aimed at providing direct protection to those most at risk. Methods The objectives of the current study were i) to assess age-related incidence and survival between PCR-diagnosed COVID-19 cases (n = 61,993) in the Autonomous Community of Aragon from March to November 2020, and ii) to characterize age differences regarding the course of the disease in hospitalized patients in a tertiary university hospital. Results We found a similar incidence of COVID-19 in individuals between 10 and 79 years. Incidence increased in those over 80 years possibly because of the elevated transmission within the nursing homes. We observed a profound disparity among age groups; case fatality rates (CFRs) were near 0 in cases younger than 39 years throughout different waves. In contrast, there was an age-dependent and progressive increase in the CFRs, especially during the first pandemic wave. SARS-CoV-2 infection caused a more severe and rapid progression in older patients. The elderly required faster hospitalization, presented more serious symptoms on admission, and had a worse clinical course. Hospitalized older individuals, even without comorbidities, had an increased mortality risk directly associated with their age. Lastly, the existence of comorbidities dramatically increased the CFRs in the elderly, especially in males. Conclusion The elevated incidence of COVID-19 and the vulnerability of the elderly call for their prioritization in vaccination and targeted prevention measures specifically focused on this aged population.

scholarly journals "It Is Not Good For Man To Be Alone" The Struggle against Loneliness in Old Age: Basic Assumptions for an Integrative Operational Concept –The Israeli Case

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Avi Bitzur ◽  
Eran Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Comprehensive Plan ◽  
Limited Scale ◽  
Operational Concept

The widespread expression saying that "loneliness is the No. 1 enemy of old age" has, in the 21st century, becomes obvious and banal now that suicide rates among the elderly in many countries and in Israel, the case study for this paper, is higher than among other age groups in those countries.Loneliness itself, its ramifications, consequences, and implications on the lives of the elderly have made it a dominant factor in terms of its potential damage.Old age and loneliness have been the subjects of many different definitions, studies and theories, but despite the quantity and quality of these attempts worldwide, and particularly in Israeli research, there is a conspicuous lack of any comprehensive plan that would address the implications and destructive effects of the loneliness experienced by the elderly. Many limited-scale programs exist on a local level, but they fail to address the clear need to eradicate menacing loneliness.The authors of this essay plan to outline basic principles for designing an operational concept for a national plan to combat the consequences and effects of depression among the elderly, using Israel as an example.This paper will begin with a review of the definitions and literature on the phenomenon of depression, and a review of the literature dealing with the unhealthy connection between old age and depression. We will then review various programs worldwide that deal with the phenomenon of loneliness and old age; continue to present data on the effects of loneliness on elderly Israelis; present various Israeli programs and projects that attempt to deal with this phenomenon; and conclude by detailing the proposed principles for a comprehensive operational approach that maps out this painful phenomenon in Israel and proposes a plan of action on how to best deal with it.

Children's Drawings of the Elderly: Young Ideas Abandon Old Age Stereotypes

Art Therapy ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Weber ◽  
Kathy Cooper ◽  
Jenny L. Hesser
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Children's Drawings ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Children’S Drawings

Decision-Making in Old Age: Cautiousness and Rigidity

1981 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Calhoun ◽  
Sam L. Hutchison
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Individual ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Behavioral Rigidity ◽  
Elderly Participant ◽  
Risky Decisions

The purpose of the present study was to test the findings of Botwinick's work on cautiousness and decision-making in old age [1, 2], along with an examination of two factors not previously studied: rigidity and certainty of decision outcome. Sixty-four elderly participants of both sexes participated in filling out the Choice Dilemmas Questionnaire (CDQ) after having been classified as high or low on Schaie's Test of Behavioral Rigidity [3]. In general, Botwinick's conclusions were supported: 1. when given the opportunity to avoid making decisions on the CDQ, the elderly did so, even under conditions of no risk at all concerning the outcome of the decision; 2. elderly individuals appeared to become more conservative and cautious in their decisions when the outcome was directed at the lives of young individuals than when older individual's lifestyles were of concern. This latter phenomenon, however, was not seen when the elderly participant was required to make a decision and could not elect to abstain. In addition, rigidity was found to be related to risky decisions made by the elderly individual.

The Role of Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Treatment of Depressive Illness in Old Age

1989 ◽  
Vol 155 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Benbow
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Depressive Illness ◽  
Electrode Placement ◽  
Physical Problems ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Old Age Psychiatry ◽  
Temporary Memory

Electroconvulsive therapy is an important treatment in the depressive states of late life, and there is general agreement about the indications for its use in old age psychiatry. Indeed, old age may be associated with a better response to ECT than that in younger age groups. The additional risk involved through physical problems in the elderly is not great when compared with that of continuing depression and of the side-effects of alternative treatments. Temporary memory disorders and confusion may occur, but are minimised if unilateral electrode placement is used. Some patients treated with unilateral ECT do not respond, but will respond to bilateral treatment. Anxiety over unwanted treatment effects, which can lead to ineffective treatment of depressive illness, must be outweighed by knowledge of the dangers of leaving depression untreated in old age.

scholarly journals Comparative characteristics of the morphometric parameters of the abdominal part of aorta and its unpaired branches in the age and sex aspects

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
I V Gaivoronsky ◽  
P M Bykov ◽  
M G Gaivoronskaya
Keyword(s):  
Superior Mesenteric Artery ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Mesenteric Artery ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Celiac Trunk ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Morphometric Parameters ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Endovascular Interventions

Computer tomograms of the abdominal part of the aorta and its unpaired branches of adults belonging to three age groups are analyzed: the first, the second mature, and the elderly. It has been established that individual morphometric parameters of the abdominal part of the aorta and its unpaired branches in men and women significantly change with age. It is proved that the diameter of the aorta at different levels significantly increases with age from the first mature age to the elderly by an average of 5 mm. In addition, in men, the length of the abdominal aorta, celiac trunk and main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery do not change with age. In women, the length of the celiac trunk increases with age by 5,9 mm, the length of the main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery - by 17 mm. It can be assumed that this fact is due to the structural features of the connective tissue structures of the arterial wall in women, and, in particular, the elastic framework. The angle of discharge of the celiac trunk in men changes unevenly with age - in the second period of mature age, there is a statistically significant decrease on average of 12,3°, then in old age an increase of 15°. Moreover, in women, the values of this indicator vary more evenly. The angles of discharge of other vessels did not show a clear age dependence, since this parameter is largely due to the constitutional features. The aorto-mesenteric distance changes with age only in women. In old age, it is on average 4,4 mm larger than in the first period of mature age. In general, a number of morphometric parameters of the abdominal part of the aorta and its unpaired branches significantly changes with age. The findings are important for endovascular interventions.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between the Fear of COVID-19 in the Elderly Aged 65 Years and Over and Their Levels of Adaptation to the “New Normal”: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110543
Author(s):  
Sibel Şentürk ◽  
Alev Yıldırım Keskin ◽  
Şule Sarızayim
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
The Relationship

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 in the elderly aged 65 years and over and their levels of adaptation to the “new normal.” This descriptive cross-sectional study was completed with 623 elderly individuals. It was determined that the individuals who adapted well to the “new normal” had high levels of adaptation to old age, while their levels of fear of COVID-19 were slightly above average ( p < 0.01). Elderly individuals have tried to adapt to the “new normal” while also experiencing fear of COVID-19. In order to minimize the fear experienced by the elderly during COVID-19, adequate support and psychological support should be provided.

scholarly journals Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with coronary heart disease of elderly age groups

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-19
Author(s):  
G.P. Voinarovska ◽  
E.O. Asanov
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Bronchial Obstruction ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background. Among the combinations of comorbid conditions, a special role belongs to the combination of coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because COPD is often associated with CHD, most authors believe that there is a direct link between COPD, progression of bronchial obstruction, and pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system, including mortality from myocardial infarction. In elderly patients, according to some researchers, the link between COPD and CHD is most pronounced. Objective. To establish the frequency of COPD in patients with CHD in older age groups. Materials and methods. The studies are based on the results of a comprehensive survey of 635 patients with CHD aged 60-89 years, who were observed for a long time of the State Institution “Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”. Results and discussion. The share of patients with CHD in whom COPD was detected in the group of elderly people is 19.4 %. This is much more than the average population. The frequency of COPD in patients with CHD decreases significantly with further aging. The prevalence of COPD among elderly patients is much lower than among elderly patients. This can most likely be explained by the fact that a significant proportion of patients with CHD with COPD do not live to old age. The analysis revealed that in elderly patients there is bronchial obstruction of more severe stages. This is due to the fact that CHD patients with COPD who live to old age have worsening bronchial patency due to the longer duration of the disease. It has been established that the majority of patients with CHD with COPD, both elderly and senile, are male. This can be explained by the negative effects of smoking. Conclusions. The incidence of COPD in patients with CHD in the elderly is much higher than in the population. At the same time, the incidence of COPD among patients with CHD in the elderly is much lower than among the elderly. In patients of advanced age bronchial obstruction is more expressed.

scholarly journals The Effect of Gender on Covid-19 Infections and Mortality in Germany: Insights From Age- and Sex-Specific Modelling of Contact Rates, Infections, and Deaths

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achim Dörre ◽  
Gabriele Doblhammer
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Compartment Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Contact Rates ◽  
Age And Sex

BackgroundRecent research points towards age- and sex-specific transmission of COVID-19 infections and their outcomes. The effect of sex, however, has been overlooked in past modelling approaches of COVID-19 infections.AimThe aim of our study is to develop an age- and sex-specific model of COVID-19 transmission and to explore how contact changes effect COVID-19 infection and death rates.MethodWe consider a compartment model to establish forecasts of the COVID-19 epidemic, in which the compartments are subdivided into different age groups and genders. Estimated contact patterns, based on other studies, are incorporated to account for age- and sex-specific social behaviour. The model is fitted to real data and used for assessing hypothetical scenarios with regard to lockdown measures.ResultsUnder current mitigation measures as of mid-August, active COVID-19 cases will double by the end of October 2020. Infection rates will be highest among the young and working ages, but will also rise among the old. Sex ratios reveal higher infection risks among women than men at working ages; the opposite holds true at old age. Death rates in all age groups are twice as high among men as women. Small changes in contact rates at working and young ages may have a considerable effect on infections and mortality at old age, with elderly men being always at higher risk of infection and mortality.DiscussionOur results underline the high importance of the non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures in low-infection phases of the pandemic to prevent that an increase in contact rates leads to higher mortality among the elderly. Gender differences in contact rates, in addition to biological mechanisms related to the immune system, may contribute to sex-specific infection rates and their mortality outcome. To further explore possible pathways, more data on COVID-19 transmission is needed which includes socio-demographic information.

Ageism Among Graduate Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders: A Longitudinal Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1306-1312
Author(s):  
Amber Heape ◽  
Brandon Causey ◽  
Taylor Lloyd ◽  
Stevonna Jeter
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Graduate Program ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Graduate Curriculum ◽  
Language Pathology

Purpose Ageism is a negative bias that results in stereotyping of and discrimination against older individuals and is one of the most institutionalized forms of prejudice in current society. Literature suggests that negative attitudes toward the elderly may have adverse effects, especially in health care settings. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the presence and level of ageism in a group of graduate students enrolled in an accredited speech-language pathology program over a 2-year period, to determine if the degree of ageism differed based on ethnicity, gender, age, or previous experience working with older adults. Method Eighty students of an accredited speech-language pathology graduate program completed the Fraboni Scale of Ageism over a 2-year period at the onset of a course on aging. Students were blinded to the type of assessment they were completing and were anonymous in order to blind the instructor to specific student performance. Demographic data for each protocol were gathered in order to analyze results. Results Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance calculated for effect size between groups. Results indicated that the level of ageism did not significantly change when grouped by gender, ethnicity, age, or level of experience, though a level of implicit bias was demonstrated through overall participant scores. Conclusions Authors concluded that existing evidence should be used to develop graduate curriculum that encompasses all age groups, especially those aged 65 years and older. Opportunities for experiential learning may provide further benefit to decreasing ageism in graduate students, leading to positive societal change.

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