SNUG106 Assessment 2- Ageism Reflection

Introduction

Ageism is defined as the ‘stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination towards others or oneself based

on age’ (World Health Organization, 2021). Ageism especially impacts the older population as people

make ageist assumptions about them and their health which can negatively affect the nursing care

they receive. This reflection will use the Rolfe reflection model to explore the personal beliefs of

myself and peers as they relate to and affect older people, analyse how those beliefs affect nursing

practice and health outcomes, and propose strategies to challenge and overcome ageist attitudes,

empowering older individuals through nursing care.

What?

Initially, my beliefs surrounding older people were shaped by societal narratives portrayed in popular

media, with older people portrayed as stubborn, rude and bigoted in personality, and cognitively and

functionally impaired in health. Peers in my tutorials shared similar opinions as we explored our own

ingrained ageism.

These biased opinions were increased by the fact that I had limited interaction with the older

population prior to my clinical placements during my nursing studies. These beliefs have since

changed as I have grown a greater understanding and appreciation for our older population through

caring for them in a hospital setting. I have found that while these stereotypes of older people’s

physical health are shaped by statistics, with a high rate of functionally and cognitively impaired

patients over 65, the idea that old people cannot care for themselves and become a burden is almost

entirely untrue as many older patients value their own personal care and love to be involved in their

own decision making and daily activities during recovery. My understanding of older people’s

personalities was also changed by the kindness and appreciation I was shown by my patients during
placement, due to their vast life experience many older people were able to remain spirited during

their bouts with ill health and injury. I was able to see that a person cannot be defined by their age as

all individuals are different.

All older people have different beliefs and values as well as varying states of health and a

person-centred approach should be practiced in all nursing care to disregard stereotypes and provide

the best care possible.

So what?

Ageist beliefs have the potential to significantly impact the quality of care provided to older

individuals. The questions asked in the ‘You Can’t Ask That’ episode made me feel an appreciation for

the life experiences of the centenarians and reduced my own discomfort with ageing which is

brought about by ingrained ageist beliefs. Seeing lively these older adults were with their sense of

humour, reminiscence on their life and outlook on their future is what brought on those feelings.

The statements made by my peers made me feel validated in unpacking my own ageism

towards older people as we all had opinions about these older adults which made us feel ashamed

that we as future registered nurses share and reinforce many of the ageist beliefs about the older

population. It made me realise that it is common to form opinions about a group of people and we

should be comfortable with challenging our own opinions and learning more about the group to

deconstruct the narrative enforced upon us. I believe this narrative is influenced for the most part by

media portrayals of older people. Popular culture often portrays older characters as either ‘sweet

little old ladies’ or bitter and nasty. It is important to realise that people are multifaceted and do not

have single faced personalities that can be defined by their age.

 I think it is important to reflect on our own ageism as nurses, as it can greatly affect our

practice and quality of care. In 2021 over 17,000 reports of substandard or unsafe care, neglect and

abuse were recorded (Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, 2021). These incidents

could have been prevented by a greater standard of education about the needs of older people, as it

is clear from our class discussion that many incorrect assumptions are made due to our ageist beliefs.

In my practice I will strive to advocate for the needs and wishes of older people and used person-

centred practice to empower my patients to make their own decisions so that they can receive the

care that is best for them.

Now What?

To combat ageism, self-awareness is crucial. Debrief and self-reflection after all nursing practice is

important to evaluate where there is room for improvement. It is especially important to consider

whether your practice has been person-centred and you have actually gotten to know your patient

rather than stereotyping them and their values and beliefs based on age.

Reports released by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) evaluated the

effectiveness of education on shifting ageist attitudes (Council on the Ageing (COTA), 2023). In this

report, 90% people who took the one-off educational intervention course self-reported that they

rethought the way they communicate with older people, 87% had conversations about ageism, and

82% rethought their attitudes toward ageing (AHRC, 2023). I believe this education should be

implemented in nursing training to ensure that nurses continue to reflect on their practice to be

aware of the impact ageism can make to their older patients.

It is also my responsibility as a future registered nurse to advocate for my patients and

challenge the ageist beliefs of others. This is best done through the use of active listening and

empathy with patients, providing them with exemplary health education to have a full understanding
of your older patients’ personal values as well as their health needs, and educating others on their

own ageist beliefs and encouraging them to reflect on their biases using online information found on

AHRC, Illawarra Retirement Trust, Every AGE Counts, COTA and more.

I will continue to develop my knowledge by using trusted sources and making connections

with older Australians throughout my career, and continuing self-reflection to identify my own

ageism and continue to improve my care.

Conclusion

Ageism towards older people has a pervasive influence on all of society. It is important to

acknowledge these biases in order to provide dignified and effective care to our older population. By

adopting strategies to challenge ageism including continuous education, empathy, advocacy, nursing

practice can continue to improve and better serve the unique needs of the older population.
 Reference List

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2023, July 13). Changing perspectives: Testing an

ageism intervention (2023). https://humanrights.gov.au/changingperspectives

Council on the Ageing. (2023, July 13). Report on shifting ageist attitudes a welcome sign for

moving the needle on ageism broadly. COTA Australia. https://cota.org.au/news-

items/report-on-shifting-ageist-attitudes-a-welcome-sign-for-moving-the-needle-on-

ageism-broadly/

EveryAGE Counts. (2023). About. EveryAGE Counts.

https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/about

Hennessy, N. (2023, June 7). What is ageism and how can we stop it? IRT.

https://www.irt.org.au/the-good-life/what-is-ageism-and-how-can-we-stop-it/

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. (2021). Royal Commission into Aged

Care Quality and Safety Final Report—Care, Dignity and Respect: Volume 1. Final

Report, 1. https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/final-report-

volume-1

World Health Organization. (2021, March 18). Ageing: Ageism. World Health Organization.

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism