Tags: aging | seniors | discrimination

Age Discrimination Harming Seniors' Health Around the World

 a senior citizen talking with a pharmacist
(Monkey Business Images/Dreamstime.com)

Monday, 03 February 2020 09:57 AM EST

Discrimination based on age — ageism — is widespread throughout the world, and it takes a toll, new research reveals.

The study of more than 7 million people aged 50 and older in 45 countries found that age affected whether or not they got medical treatment and, whether the treatment, its length and frequency were appropriate.

The investigators reviewed 422 published studies, and found that 96% of older people experienced ageism.

According to the new report, ageism led to poor outcomes in depression and physical health, including shorter life expectancy.

"The injurious reach of ageism that our team documented demonstrates the need for initiatives to overcome ageism," said senior author Becca Levy, a professor of psychology at Yale School of Public Health in New Haven, Connecticut.

In 85% of the studies, her team found that healthcare was denied to older people, and in 92%, ageism affected medical decisions.

Ageism affects people regardless of age, sex, or race and ethnicity, the researchers noted in a Yale news release.

Study first author E-Shien Chang, a doctoral student in the Yale School of Public Health, said, "Our research highlights the importance of recognizing the influence of ageism on health. Policies to improve older persons' health must take ageism into account."

The study was published online recently in the journal PLOS ONE.

© HealthDay


Health-News
Discrimination based on age - ageism - is widespread throughout the world, and it takes a toll, new research reveals.
aging, seniors, discrimination
216
2020-57-03
Monday, 03 February 2020 09:57 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
Find Your Condition
Newsmax2 Live
 
On Now:12:00p ET • John Bachman Now
Coming Up:2:00p ET • National Desk
Get Newsmax Text Alerts

The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service.

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved