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Introduction
Recent developments in the social sciences of the 20th and 21st centuries started attracting public attention to a variety of issues that used to be ignored. One of such problems is ageism or the discrimination of people based on their age. This essay will address such topics as the social groups which suffer from it, how it influences their mental health in the long run, and how it affects their relationship with addiction.
Main text
The issue of ageism was first taken into consideration at the end of the 20th century. As it is highlighted by Donizetti, Butler R. N. was the first to coin the term ageism which he defined as a negative prejudice against the elderly in 1975 (para. 3). Today, 45 years later, the problem of such an attitude towards senior people remains. Social scientists believe the reason for it to be the fact that, due to better living conditions and the overall availability of medical treatment, the general lifespan became longer. Consequently, older people have become a large portion of the modern population, which is perceived as a global problem. The result of this is discrimination based on ones age which can lead to various problems on different levels.
The effect of ageism on an individuals mental health can be dramatic. One of the reasons for it is the fact that prejudices against the elderly begin to form in the minds of people since childhood. Senility is perceived as peoples inability to take care of themselves, eventually becoming a burden to their families. As a result of this way of thinking, these stereotypes become internalized as someone reaches old age. Furthermore, depression appears to be a widespread problem among the elderly but often remains undiagnosed, since senior people do not find it necessary to seek help due to their age (Meinertzhagen, para. 4).
The acceptance of the idea that senility presupposes physical pain and limited abilities leaves a serious impact on ones mental health.
This issue has become apparent in the current year, as the world faced a global pandemic. Due to the belief that senior people are especially susceptible to the virus, they suffer from the fear of being potential carriers and, in turn, spreading the disease within the family. They also experience the feeling of guilt as their family members have to take care of them since it is not recommended for the elderly to leave their houses. The internalized stereotypes about senility and the fear of becoming a burden to ones own family have led to a spike in suicidal ideas and depression among the elderly (Banerjee, para. 3). This tendency proves that the effect of external and internal prejudices towards the elderly can have a severe effect on their mental health, especially in the context of extreme stress.
As to the problem of addiction, ageism, in this matter, is connected with the fact that substance abuse is often considered the problem of the younger generation. It tends to be overlooked in the cases of elderly people. Often, this issue is disregarded as not a major problem as it is believed that substance abuse will not harm elderly people as much as the youth (Minkove, para. 9). As a result of this, addiction remains unhindered and progresses further. Subsequently, serious mental health problems, such as the inability to control oneself, and physical health issues including liver diseases arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this essay demonstrates how negative prejudices towards the elderly influence their mental health. Since the aforementioned stereotypes originate in peoples minds in childhood, with the coming of old age they become internalized, leading the elderly to consider themselves a problem for the people around them. This mindset results in various mental health issues, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse. These issues are often overlooked as they are believed to be inherent to younger people. Thus, it becomes apparent that the matter of ageism remains acute and has a significant impact on the mental and physical health of the elderly.
Works Cited
Banerjee, Debanjan. Age and ageism in COVID-19: Elderly mental health-care vulnerabilities and needs. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 51, 2020.
Donizzetti, Anna Rosa. Ageism in an aging society: The role of knowledge, anxiety about aging, and stereotypes in young people and adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no, 8, 2019.
Meinertzhagen, Audrey. Addressing the stigmas of ageism and mental health. Home Care Assistance, 2020. Web.
Minkove, Judy F. Substance use disorders in older adults: A growing threat. John Hopkins Medicine, 2019, Web.
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