Conceptualising elder abuse across local and global contexts: Implications for Policy and Professional Practice on the island of Ireland.

Social policy and professional practice across the island of Ireland is dominated by the WHO (2002) definition of elder abuse and national and professional interpretations of what constitutes elder abuse. Top down, generalist knowledge of the abuse of older people have facilitated paternalistic and protectionist policies and services designed to protect older vulnerable adults across the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI). However a qualitative study involving 58 older people in six focus groups held across Ireland highlights an alternative understanding of elder abuse grounded in the subjective experiences of older people across urban and rural communities on the island. Indigenous ways of knowing offer a broader and more inclusive understanding of the experience of elder abuse (Lafferty 2012; Dow and Joosten 2012) together with opportunities for the prevention of ageism and the empowering of older people across the jurisdictions.

Unmasking the ‘Elderly Mystique’: why it is time to make the personal political in ageing research

This article uses feminist scholarship to investigate ‘the elderly mystique’ – which contends that the potential of old age is masked by a set of false beliefs about ageing (i.e. ageism) which permeate social, economic and political life (Cohen, 1988).
The article presents a theoretical model which explores the extent to which institutionalised ageism shapes the trajectory of life after 60. The hypothesis under-pinning the model is simple: The challenge for ageing societies is not the average age of a given population but, rather, how age is used to structure economic, social and political life. An inter-disciplinary framework is used to examine how biological facts about ageing are used to segregate older from younger people, giving older people the status of “other”; economically through retirement, politically through assumptions about ‘the grey vote’ and socially through ageist stereotyping in the media and through denial and ridicule of the sexuality of older people. Each domain is informed by the achievements of feminist theory and research on sexism and how its successes and failures can inform critical investigations of ageism.
The paper recognises the role of ageism in de-politicising the lived experience of ageing. The paper concludes that feminist scholarship, particularly work by feminists in their seventies, eighties and nineties has much to offer in terms of re-framing gerontology as an emancipatory project for current and future cohorts of older people.

As imagens do envelhecimento e as práticas idadistas em Cuidados de Saúde Primários: implicações na actividade física dos idosos

RESUMO: O envelhecimento demográfico tem vindo a aumentar em todo o mundo. Porém, constata-se que os últimos anos de vida são, frequentemente, acompanhados de situações de incapacidade que poderiam ter sido prevenidas. Apesar da importância da actividade física na saúde, verifica-se que uma grande proporção de idosos são sedentários, aumentando o risco de incapacidade. Os profissionais de saúde podem ser influenciados por imagens negativas relativas ao envelhecimento. Tal pode conduzir a práticas de discriminação, com repercussão na forma como os idosos se vêem a si próprios e, consequentemente, no seu comportamento na prática de actividade física. Este estudo tem como objectivo analisar o modo como as imagens do envelhecimento e dos idosos, bem como as práticas idadistas percebidas pelos idosos no contacto com profissionais de saúde influenciam a sua prática de actividade física. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo, com recurso à entrevista semi-estruturada e de associação livre das palavras, sendo entrevistados 18 utentes que recorreram a um Centro de Saúde. Pelos resultados, constatou-se que uma parte considerável dos participantes (n=8) mencionou que a forma como são vistos pelos profissionais de saúde e como estes lidam consigo influencia a sua prática de actividade física. A imagem mais referida como favorecendo esta prática foi o facto de se considerarem pessoas com vontade de viver. Como principal prática favorecedora identificou-se o aconselhamento/educação para a saúde. A imagem mais mencionada como dificultando a actividade física foi a de os idosos serem deprimidos/tristes/aborrecidos e rabugentos/teimosos. As práticas mais identificadas como dificultando a actividade física foram: o desinteresse face aos problemas de saúde; o não encaminhamento para intervenções adequadas às necessidades; a indicação de que o problema de saúde é devido à idade, não o sendo; a postura autoritária em que só o profissional decide a opção terapêutica; e a verbalização de que o utente já tem muita idade para realizar uma actividade. Conclui-se que as imagens negativas do envelhecimento e dos idosos bem como a existência de práticas idadistas por parte dos profissionais de saúde, condicionam de forma negativa a prática de actividade física nos idosos.---------------ABSTRACT: The aging population has been increasing around the world. However, it appears that the last years of life are often accompanied by situations of disability, which could have been prevented. Despite the importance of physical activity on health, it appears that a large proportion of elderly people are sedentary, increasing the risk of disability. Health professionals may be influenced by negative images related to aging and that may lead to discriminatory practices with repercussion in how older people see themselves and thus their behavior as related to physical activity. This study aims to examine how the images concerning aging and older people, as well as ageist practices perceived by older people in contact with health professionals, do influence their physical activity. A qualitative study was conducted using a semi-structured interview and techniques of free word association. Eighteen primary care elderly users were interviewed. A considerable proportion of the sample (n=8) mentioned that the way health professionals see them and deal with them influences their level of physical activity. The image that most favoured this practice was that people are willing to live. Counseling/health education was identified as the main favouring practice. The image which was most often mentioned as hindering physical activity was that of elderly as being depressed, sad or bored, and grumpy or stubborn.The practices most often identified as hindering physical activity were: lack of interest regarding health problems; non-referral to appropriate intervention needs; indicating that the health problem is due to age, not being the case; authoritarian professional attitudes regarding who decides the treatment options; verbalization that the user is already to old to perform an activity. This study concludes that the negative images of aging and older people as well the existence of ageist practices by health professionals negatively affect the practice of physical activity in the elderly.

A Continuum of Traversing Lines: Youth Political Participation in Gaia Online

This qualitative research project uses a Deleuzo-Guattarian theoretical framework to address the question: “How are the politically oriented social forums in Gaia Online experienced as a continuum of overlapping of lines, including molar lines, lines of flight, and molecular lines?” Although smooth lines of flight may occur in Gaia, there are always mechanisms that work to re-territorialize them as more striated molar operations. Conversely, while more striated molar lines may be evident in Gaia, there are also smooth lines of flight that attempt to deterritorialize them as smooth space. Founded in 2003, Gaia is a virtual community in which members use 3D avatars to socialize with others, create content, and play games. Deleuze and Guattari (1987) have defined space with three systems: on one end is state-oriented static space, on the other end is nomadic fluid space, and situated in the middle is molecular space which contains both smooth and striating elements. While state-oriented striated space is based on routines, rules, and specifications, nomadic smooth space is flexible, always changing, and full of possibility. Some of the smoother operations that are evident in Gaia include becoming other, decentred communications, desire as resistance, and lines of flight. Some of the more striated operations include social reproduction of gender norms/expectations, capitalist mechanisms, violence and intolerance linked to categories and binaries (racism/sexism/ageism), the regulation of desire, and the organisation of bodies.

Análisis documental sobre las necesidades y problemas de las personas mayores en los establecimientos residenciales.

Realizar un análisis documental sobre el envejecimiento y las necesidades y problemas de las personas mayores ingresadas en establecimientos residenciales. Estudio de carácter teórico que, a través de una metodología analítica y descriptiva, permite conocer los problemas y necesidades de las personas mayores institucionalizadas en centros geriátricos. Este análisis fundamenta un proyecto más amplio de carácter empírico que tiene por objeto completar y profundizar en la información obtenida a través de este estudio documental en el contexto asturiano. El procedimiento de recogida de información que orienta la búsqueda de datos consiste en la identificación, localización y análisis de la información obtenida de investigación, informes y publicaciones relativas al envejecimiento y a las personas mayores. Con todo ello, se realiza un análisis documental de carácter exploratorio. a) El envejecimiento poblacional que vive la sociedad lleva a que los Estados empiecen a plantearse una serie de cuestiones entorno a políticas y programas sociales; b) Los diferentes tipos de familias existentes provoca que cada vez haya menos cuidadores catalogados como potenciales para cuidar a las personas mayores; c) Al rechazo hacia los mayores se le conoce como ageism; d) Medios de socialización como la educación, la familia y los medios de comunicación pueden potenciar el rechazo hacia los mayores; e) Formación insuficiente o inadecuada que poseen los profesionales que trabajan con y sobre personas mayores; f) Existen residencias donde los ancianos son tratados más como 'clientes' que como 'personas'; g) El interés por el envejecimiento y las personas mayores también reside en los centros universitarios donde existe una abundante oferta formativa para especializarse en el campo gerontológico, viéndose este campo como un yacimiento de empleo; h) Existe un vocabulario gerontológico muy abundante para referirse al envejecimiento, vejez y personas mayores; i) Existen multitud de teorías que intentan explicar la naturaleza del envejecimiento; j) Cada vez es mayor la demanda de profesionales especializados en envejecimiento y personas mayores; k) Se hace necesario un conjunto de servicios sociales y sanitarios para responder no solo a las demandas y necesidades de las personas mayores sino también de las personas que les cuidan; l) La oferta de plazas residenciales en España no responde a la demanda; m) El perfil del cuidador formal no está determinado; n) Los principales demandantes de los servicios sociosanitarios son las mujeres; ñ) La familia es el cuidador informal por excelencia.

Ålderism – ett fruktbart begrepp?

Ageism – A useful concept? Ageism has gained growing attention in Sweden the last decade. Age is even discussed to be included in the discrimination legislation. Still, the concept has not been of much sociological interest. This article is an overview of the concept ageism and how it has been discussed in social gerontology. In the article it is argued that the overall focus has been on overtly expressions such as stereotypes and discriminating behavior while underlying structures and processes of power and power relations have not got enough attention. As a result the concept of ageism has become limited as an analytical tool. Thus, in order to develop the potential of the concept it seems crucial to explicate and theorise power relations. To accomplish this goal, i.e. to focus on how age-based power relations are negotiated, challenged and reproduced in processes and institutionalised practises it is suggested that ageism might have to be complemented with other concepts, such as age coding.

The mundiad : sic transit gloria mundi

The Mundiad is a mock epic poem in heroic couplets. Modelled on structures of classical epics such as Homer's Iliad, Virgil's Aeneid and Milton's Paradise Lost, yet set in the contemporary world of globalisation, the poem celebrates the detritus of everyday life Kylie Minogue, pornography, new ageism, genetic engineering, IVF, screen culture, among many others. Reviving the ancient poetic ambition to speak differently about the things of this world, The Mundiad is startlingly original and is destined to be a cult classic.

Notion of impaired practice in nursing : a radical feminist perspective

In this radical feminist investigation of impaired practice in nursing it is argued that prejudicial and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours deriving from racism, ageism and lesbian phobia constitute impaired practice in nursing. The author's vision is that society, of which nursing would be a part, would truly care for all, regardless of race, age or sexuality.

Crafting communities: promoting inclusion, empowerment, and learning between older women

While social policy and planning documents are replete with ominous warnings about the cost of an ageing population, this article tells a different story about the productive and self-sustaining networks that exist among older women in the community who do craftwork. From our research conducted in Victoria, Australia during 2007–2008 we discovered a resilient and committed group of older women quietly and steadily contributing to community fundraising, building social networks, and providing learning opportunities to each other in diverse ways. Through our conversations with nine craftswomen we have been able to articulate clear links between the theory and models commonly espoused in the community development literature and the life-enriching practices used in organising informal community craft group activities. From our interviews with the older women we provide evidence of sustained participation, the generation of social capital, and the fostering of life-long learning. While none of the women we spoke to were trained in community development and did not use language commonly associated with feminist ideology, the relationship between the informal group work with principles of empowerment and self-efficacy were unmistakeable. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for critical social work practice.

O envelhecimento nas Organizações: das percepções de gestores de Recursos Humanos às práticas de gestão da idade

Esta pesquisa aborda questões relacionadas ao envelhecimento nas organizações e pretende investigar a relação entre as atitudes de gestores de Recursos Humanos (RH) a respeito dos trabalhadores mais velhos e as práticas de gestão da idade. O estudo pretende contribuir para o avanço da discussão acerca da questão do envelhecimento no Brasil e suas implicações nas organizações. Este tema é de interesse tanto de acadêmicos da área de estudos organizacionais, como também de profissionais das áreas pública e privada. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva, de caráter quantitativo. Com relação aos fundamentos teóricos, foram abordados conceitos relacionados aos significados da idade, ao envelhecimento, ageísmo (ageism), às atitudes referentes aos profissionais mais velhos e práticas de gestão da idade. Dados primários foram coletados por meio de questionários, totalizando 138 gestores de RH. Os resultados foram analisados e discutidos à luz dos fundamentos teóricos apresentados neste estudo. A pesquisa permitiu concluir que, de forma geral, os referidos gestores possuem uma atitude relativamente positiva sobre os profissionais mais velhos, embora ela não reflita na adoção de práticas de gestão da idade, que se revelaram pouco adotadas pelas empresas. Foram identificadas incoerências nas respostas dos gestores, o que viabilizou refletir sobre o viés politicamente correto que ocasiona os temas sobre preconceito e discriminação. Os resultados possibilitaram inferir que, de forma geral, as empresas não estão preparadas para o cenário de envelhecimento da força produtiva que está projetado para as próximas duas décadas no País.

Carreira, envelhecimento e os desafios da maior longevidade

O envelhecimento da população brasileira é um fato que já alcança o presente. Nunca se viveu tanto como agora, e a longevidade tende a avançar ainda mais. Isto, num cenário em que a taxa de natalidade decresce e, ao mesmo tempo, as famílias demoram mais a ter filhos. De acordo com o IBGE (2014), daqui a alguns anos iremos assistir a redução da população brasileira. E, como o número de jovens entrantes no mercado de trabalho será cada vez menor, as empresas não terão alternativas, senão aproveitar esta mão-de-obra mais idosa. Existem alguns trabalhos no sentido de aferir como as empresas estão se preparando para este futuro. Inclusive, temas como o ageism, que se traduz pela prática de discriminação dos mais velhos, tem sido abordados e debatidos. Mas, o presente estudo tem como objetivo entender como as pessoas estão se preparando para uma vida mais longa e produtiva. Assim, foi realizada uma pesquisa com pessoas acima de 40 anos e, portanto, mais próximas da aposentadoria, de maneira a aferir suas expectativas com relação ao trabalho, como se posicionam em relação ao futuro, suas visões pessoais a respeito do sentido do trabalho, realização profissional, reconhecimento, carreira, limitações físicas e empregabilidade. As entrevistas foram semi-estruturadas, contemplando dados categóricos, e adotando como método para o tratamento dos dados, a análise do discurso. Como resultado, esta pesquisa revelou que a grande preocupação dos entrevistados é preparar-se para o futuro por meio de mais qualificação e mais estudo, sem deixar de se manterem atualizados a tudo que consideram importante ao seu desempenho profissional, e também sem revelar preocupações ou maiores cuidados com a saúde.

Employment law:an introduction for HR and business students

The Aston Centre for Human Resources (ACHR) was created at Aston Business School, Aston University, in February 2006. The mission of the Centre is both to inform and influence practice through conducting high quality, challenging research in order to extend the existing theoretical frameworks and to develop new and relevant conceptual models to represent and guide the changing realities facing businesses and the people they employ in the 21st century. * Students studying an Employment Law module on a HR or general business degree, whether undergraduate or postgraduate. * Students taking the Employment Law elective on the CIPD's Professional Development Scheme (PDS). * Students studying Employee Relations or Diversity. This new edition has been thoroughly updated, and includes expanded coverage of the impact of EU Law, and Discrimination Law including ageism, sexual orientation, religious belief, harassment and disability. The text is ideal text for those business students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses who are taking a first module in Employment Law. It covers a comprehensive range of topics enabling students to gain a solid understanding of the key principles of the subject. The engaging, authoritative writing style and range of learning features make this a refreshingly accessible and student-friendly read. Each chapter includes summaries of topical and relevant cases, direction to key sources of legal information and suggestions for further reading whilst covering the CIPD’s standards for the Employment Law elective on the Professional Development Scheme (PDS). This text includes a range of case studies, tasks and examples to consolidate learning and includes a brand new section on Employment Law study skills to help students get to grips with how to access and read law reports, understand the sources of the law, find and use up-to-date legal information (particularly websites) and how to prepare for exams and written assignments.

The influence of patient's age on clinical decision-making about coronary heart disease in the USA and the UK

This paper examines UK and US primary care doctors' decision-making about older (aged 75 years) and midlife (aged 55 years) patients presenting with coronary heart disease (CHD). Using an analytic approach based on conceptualising clinical decision-making as a classification process, it explores the ways in which doctors' cognitive processes contribute to ageism in health-care at three key decision points during consultations. In each country, 56 randomly selected doctors were shown videotaped vignettes of actors portraying patients with CHD. The patients' ages (55 or 75 years), gender, ethnicity and social class were varied systematically. During the interviews, doctors gave free-recall accounts of their decision-making. The results do not establish that there was substantial ageism in the doctors' decisions, but rather suggest that diagnostic processes pay insufficient attention to the significance of older patients' age and its association with the likelihood of co-morbidity and atypical disease presentations. The doctors also demonstrated more limited use of 'knowledge structures' when diagnosing older than midlife patients. With respect to interventions, differences in the national health-care systems rather than patients' age accounted for the differences in doctors' decisions. US doctors were significantly more concerned about the potential for adverse outcomes if important diagnoses were untreated, while UK general practitioners cited greater difficulty in accessing diagnostic tests.

Women of African descent: Persistence in completing doctorates

This study examines the educational persistence of women of African descent (WOAD) in pursuit of a doctorate degree at universities in the southeastern United States. WOAD are women of African ancestry born outside the African continent. These women are heirs to an inner dogged determination and spirit to survive despite all odds (Pulliam, 2003, p. 337).This study used Ellis’s (1997) Three Stages for Graduate Student Development as the conceptual framework to examine the persistent strategies used by these women to persist to the completion of their studies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed for the 10 study participants. The study examined their beliefs, roles, and support systems utilized during their studies to help propel them to succeed. Interview data were analyzed using cross-case analysis to discover emerging themes and patterns. A comparative analysis was used to analyze the participants’ experiences and discover themes and patterns to review against the historical data. The findings showed that WOAD experienced feelings of isolation, neglect and racial prejudice as doctoral students. Their ability to formulate supportive relationships among each other and in their communities outside the university was key to their persistence to graduation. There still remains a need to create a more engaging and inclusive environment for nontraditional students, particularly those who are WOAD. The study concludes with six strategies of success used by these WOAD to persist to completion. Those six strategies include 1. Keeping the goal of earning a doctorate and graduating foremost on your mind. 2. Set a class and study schedule that allows you to balance family, work and study. 3. Take care of yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally. 4. Keep a goal chart to track your strides toward completion/graduation. 5. Establish a strong support system among your family, friends, colleagues and community; and 6. Do not let the “isms” (racism, sexism, and ageism) deter you.

Mentor in the Third Age: A Learning Perspective

Older adults can bring decades of knowledge and expertise to the mentoring table. We explore where older adults serve as mentors and the educational benefits they derive from mentoring, in light of prejudices ascribed through ageism. As mentors, older adults can remain engaged and continue to find meaning beyond retirement.