[8-14] Teaching for a healthier future: Health humanities addressing ageism as a social determinant of health
Presentation language：English
In a recent review of global research on the effects of ageism on older persons’ health, Chang et al (2020) found that in the vast majority of studies, across all countries studied, ageism was linked to significantly worse health outcomes. Ageism is a social determinant of health (SDOH), they conclude. It is not, however, a widely recognized SDOH, and has not been as targeted a focus of health humanities research, teaching, and interventions as it merits.
Ageism affects the health of other adults through both structural and individual mechanisms. Ageism among health care providers has been associated with a wide variety of negative clinical consequences. More pernicious is the internalization of ageism that often begins when we are children and strengthens as others start to identify us as “old.” Health humanities is well-poised to address ageism through educational interventions at a wide variety of levels, from children, to young adults, to aspiring health professionals, to older people.
This presentation will present an overview of the health consequences of ageism, and will provide examples of health humanities educational interventions that might be implemented for diverse audiences.
Chang et al. (2020) Global reach of ageism on older persons’ health: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 15(1).