Identifying Ageism: Moving Towards Addressing Gaps in Mental Health Care for Older Adults-View Presentation

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In the final session of a meeting moderated by psychiatrist Dan Dahl from Birmingham, Alabama, the growing importance of addressing ageism in society, particularly in mental health care, is discussed. By 2050, it is projected there will be 1.6 billion seniors globally, underscoring the urgent need to tackle ageism—a term introduced by Robert Butler in 1969, which gained recognition during the UN's Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging in 2002.<br /><br />The panel, featuring rising stars in geriatric psychiatry such as Dr. Bhadra Rakhnakaran, Dr. Wang, and Dr. Karen Dionisotis, explores the pervasive stereotypes and discrimination faced by seniors. Issues like elder abuse, neglect, poverty, loneliness, and lack of healthcare access were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also highlights the prevalence of ageism at institutional levels, often reflected in employment and healthcare scenarios where older adults are deemed less capable or unworthy of resources.<br /><br />The conversation transitions into healthcare-specific ageism, revealing that a significant portion of older adults experience mental health issues but are much less likely to receive care compared to younger populations. Structural and societal barriers, such as financial insecurity, technology literacy gaps, and discriminatory healthcare beliefs, further impede access to necessary care for seniors.<br /><br />Strategies to address ageism in healthcare include implementing educational interventions, increasing intergenerational contact, and enhancing policy frameworks that protect older adults' rights. Emphasis is placed on changing individual and institutional attitudes, advocating for inclusive healthcare practices, and encouraging societal shifts toward recognizing the value and capabilities of the aging population. Through shared experiences and proposed action plans, the session aims to foster understanding and prompt collective efforts to counteract the impacts of ageism.

Keywords

ageism

mental health

seniors

geriatric psychiatry

elder abuse

COVID-19 pandemic

healthcare access

discrimination

intergenerational contact

policy frameworks

inclusive healthcare