Page 49 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

16 n AGEiSM

ageism, however, are persons with mental Ageism will continue to be important
illness, dementia, and mental retardation. in almost every area of geriatric nursing
A The diagnosis of dementia often stigma- research. Ageism will influence both the type
tizes both the patient and the family. As of research that is done and the public dissem-
new technologies and diagnostic techniques ination of research. Researchers must describe
become available, labels such as mild cogni- the relationship of ageism with qualitative
tive impairment also have the potential to and quantitative research in the areas of eth-
stigmatize patients and families (Garand, ics, workplace studies, decision making and
Lingler, Conner, & Dew, 2009). Research informed consent research, genetics, health
has demonstrated links between cognitive promotion and prevention screening, cancer,
impairment, cardiovascular disease, diabe- presentations of disease, symptoms research,
tes, and depression. This has highlighted the biomarkers of aging, quality of life, barriers
potential widespread impact of preventative to treatment, nursing home care and organi-
measures and health maintenance in older zational studies, resource utilization in health
adults. Further research on cognitive reserve care, dementia care, mental health, care of the
in dementia and delirium has advanced disabled older adult, and care of the diverse
the understanding of persons with multi- older adult population. The increasing role of
ple types of cognitive impairment and has technology in mitigating stereotypes of aging
exposed myths often held about this popula- will also be of great importance, as will the
tion, such as the inability to learn new infor- use of new technologies to allow older adults
mation or to change behaviors (Jones et al., to live independently. At the same time,
2010; Kolanowski, Fick, Clare, Therrien, & technology must not replace the human-to-
Gill, 2010; ory et al., 2003; Stern, 2009). human interaction (Harmon, 2010; Tak et al.,
This research is important as it forces the 2010), which is the foundation of nursing.
reexamination of stereotypes held about Nurses must also be aware of the role of
older persons and influences both care and popular media in socializing nursing edu-
treatment. cation, practice, and research. The popular
in addition to new diagnoses or labels, media socializes multiple age groups to ste-
certain conditions or circumstances that were reotypes. Nurses have the power to negate
relegated to old age are becoming issues in these typical roles, where older adults are
younger phases of life, such as hearing loss. seen as powerless. The media also portrays an
The resulting ageism and stigma (Wallhagen, “antiaging” campaign, where “70 is the new
2010) that occurs with such conditions may 60.” Practicing nurses, student nurses, educa-
be tempered by this shift. tors, and nurse scientists have the ability to
The economic impact of ageism is and show that older adults maintain productivity
will continue to be significant to gerontolog- and purpose in life, and in their daily work
ical nursing. Robert Butler, in his book The they must go beyond the media stereotypes
Longevity Revolution, argues that we should when examining aging and quality of life.
continue to work beyond the age of 65 years Researchers have agreed that past and
because early retirement can be equated to present experience with the elderly, faculty
wasted productive capacity (Butler, 2008). He role models, and continuing education pos-
maintains that this will help to combat ageist itively affects attitudes on aging (Burbank,
stereotypes. Beyond workforce issues, nurses Dowling-Castronovo, Crowther, & Capezuti,
will have a vital role in shaping the health care 2006; Wallace et al., 2006). Several government
system at local and national levels as it con- and privately funded programs are promot-
tinues to be reformed to meet the needs of our ing positive attitudes toward older adults by
aging population (Beverly, Burger, Maas, & showcasing geriatric nursing as a challeng-
Specht, 2010). ing and attractive specialty for practicing