Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

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Réseau canadien pour la prévention des mauvais traitements envers les aîné(e)s

Ageing/ Ageism

The following is adapted and reprinted with permission from "Silent and Invisible: What's Age Got to Do With It?" written by Jill Hightower and Greta Smith for BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses.

Ageing - A Normal Process

 

Ageing is a normal process although the prevalence of some diseases increases in older people. There are wide differences in the rate that various individuals and various physical functions show signs of ageing. Uniqueness and individuality actually increase with age due to an increase in experiences. Senility, often associated with old age, actually affects only 2-3% of people over age 60.

10 Concepts on Ageing to Remember

Understanding all aspects of ageing enables us to better understand and provide assistance to older victims of abuse and neglect.

Ageing is universal. It is common to all human beings, female and male.

Ageing is normal. 'Growing up' is spoken of with respect and anticipation; 'growing old', with fear. This fear feeds on the stereotyped picture of ageing as a loss of faculties, beauty, energy, and memory.

Ageing is variable. Each individual ages in a unique way. The state of later life develops from former life patterns including socio-economic variables, and health, including exposure to violence and abuse.

Dying is normal and inevitable. It is difficult for many to accept the idea that while a full, satisfying life is being lived, death can be anticipated as a meaningful closure of life.

Ageing and illness are not necessarily coincidental. The stereotyped image again lingers. An extreme history of abuse can bring on several health challenges; depression, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, stress, etc.

Older women and men really represent three generations. The group known as the "aged" covers the years 65-112, representing two, often three, generations and may include parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. No other age group includes such diversity.

Older people can and do learn. Capacity to learn new things or re-learn the old is not necessarily diminished by old age. Learning patterns may change from youth, and the speed of learning may slow, but learning ability appears to be culturally determined, not restricted by years.

Older adults can and do change. As one grows older, many adjustments become necessary. Mates die, housing situations change, new activities are developed, and new friendships established.

Older adults want to remain self-directed. Where dependency on others for decision making exists among older people, it has often been learned as a direct result of loss of a sense of purpose and self-respect. To prevent this loss when older adults undergo life changes, their self-direction and self-control should be maintained and supported as much as possible, even if they become dependent in some aspect of their lives.

Older people are vital human beings. Although physical disability is often associated with mental inadequacy, it should be recognized that the need for physical help in crossing the street does not mean that the person does not know where she is going.

Competency - While some adults may not be competent to make their own decisions, the vast majority of abused older adults are very capable. As with many abused adults, symptoms of passivity, withdrawal, lack of initiative, inability to implement new information or display insight are a result of living in an abusive situation. When working with younger abused women, staff listens to their stories, believes them and offers options. The same consideration must be given to older women and older men.*