Ageism

Abstract

This entry examines the relevance of the concept of ageism for bioethics. Ageism is defined as the display of negative attitudes or behavior toward individuals or groups based on their age, which results in age discrimination. After a brief description of the historical context, two concepts of ageism are distinguished: a general one and a more specific one. The latter concerns negative stereotypes and age discrimination of older people, which is the focus here. Following a brief outline of the ethical and legal framework of criticizing ageism, the main areas of bioethical concern are analyzed. Individual medical staffs may have negative stereotypes about older people, which could result in discrimination and disadvantages in health care. Another main area is the health-care system itself, because the public perception of older people as a burden on social services could generate repeated requests for age-based rationing, which can have ageist elements. A major field, which might benefit from population aging as well, is antiaging medicine, the representatives of which have been repeatedly accused of ageism. The exclusion of older people from participation in medical research may also partially constitute a result of ageism. Finally, the importance of countering ageism from a global health perspective is justified and highlighted in the conclusion of this entry, which may be of particular relevance for bioethics and training future medical staff in medical ethics.