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Biuletyn Stowarzyszenia Absolwentów i Przyjaciół Wydziału Prawa Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego

Vol. 16 No. 18 (2) (2021)

Articles

Ageism: A Problem of the Twenty First Century

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32084/sawp.2021.16.2-11  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2022-09-23

Abstract

The ageing of society is a global process which is gaining strength. The quality of ageing is an essential parameter of this process. It has been predicted that the percentage of elderly individuals will double during the period 2015-2050. The aim of the present paper was to analyse the literature on discriminatory behaviour due to age, or so-called ageism, with particular emphasis on behaviour within the area of healthcare, including that of dentists. Ageism may constitute an important factor in the health and well-being of elderly people, one which should be considered in the design of strategies to support healthier and happier ageing. A survey of the Polish population showed that 26% of participants aged 65 and over considered that their peers are being discriminated against, whereas 8% had personally witnessed discrimination. It has been emphasised that aversion to the elderly and discrimination against them in medical facilities is observed more frequently in situations involving time pressure and shortage of medical personnel. More and more frequently, elderly people retain their natural teeth; accordingly, there is a growing demand for trained dentists to provide comprehensive care for elderly patients. Nevertheless, it has been indicated that mere improvement of levels of knowledge about the ageing process does not change attitudes towards elderly patients. Following analysis of the relevant literature, it should be noted that the volume of research on ageism conducted outside the US is negligible. Research related to this subject in the field of dentistry is most often limited to students’ attitudes. The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inappropriate behaviours characterised by ageism.

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