Highlights
- •What is the primary question addressed by this study?—The aim of this paper is to articulate the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) and the World Psychiatric Association Section of Old Age Psychiatry (WPA-SOAP) response to the call of The Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons for thematic contributions in the field of ageism and discrimination.
- •What is the main finding of this study?—Ageism has been manifested in the discourse around older people as vulnerable, worthless or a burden to society as well as in measures aimed to protect older people, yet, restricting their rights and depriving them of their freedom. Older people with mental health conditions and long-term care residents have been particularly affected by ageism and discrimination during the pandemic.
- •What is the meaning of the finding?—A UN Convention for the rights of older people is required to inform and guide governments concerning the rights of older people as well as the inappropriate use of chronological age in the allocation of goods and services.
ABSTRACT
The pandemic has put the spotlight on older people and on the topic of ageism. In
early 2021, a call was made for input into the Thematic Report on Ageism and Discrimination
to inform the United Nations Independent Expert on the Rights of Older Persons' forthcoming
report to the 48th session of the Human Rights Council. The aim of this paper is to
articulate the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) and the World Psychiatric
Association Section of Old Age Psychiatry (WPA-SOAP) response to this call. This brief
statement on ageism with a special focus on older people with mental health conditions
is divided into three sections. We start by outlining the various manifestations of
ageism in varied contexts and countries with a primary focus on the pandemic. Possible
consequences of ageism with a focus on older people's mental health and well-being
are outlined. We conclude by discussing ways to overcome ageism and reduce its occurrence,
especially during times of extreme conditions.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 07, 2021
Accepted:
June 29,
2021
Received in revised form:
June 28,
2021
Received:
May 3,
2021
Footnotes
Presented by Liat Ayalon in different forms in the following meetings:
3/2021-An international perspective on ageism. Ageism and human rights. Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Canada (webinar)
12/2020- Ageism and language and policies' in relation to COVID-19. Irish Gerontological Society, Ireland (webinar)
9/2020- Ageism and COVID-19. Plenary Speaker - Virtual Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference, Canada (webinar)
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
