Ageism and Society, Essay Example

Improvements in the longevity of life have been expected to increase over time in the next century.  In fact, it is predicted that the number of individuals over 65 years of age is expected to increase from 524 million to an estimated 1.5 billion by the year 2050.  The increase in life expectancy has been reported due to the changes in both the leading causes of death and medical technology. (National Institute of Health, 2011)   Although individuals are living longer, it should be noted that these older individuals are undergoing discrimination and neglect.  The attitudes toward older individuals in our society lead to human concerns and fears about aging, which in turn, leads to neglect of the elderly.  (Bulter)  There are, however, solutions that can be undertaken in order to alleviate discrimination against the elderly in the United States.

In order to decrease discrimination in elderly within the United States there must be legislative measures implemented at the local, state and federal level providing protection against age discrimination.  For instance, age discrimination should be incorporated into the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.  This Act currently protects individuals against sex and racial discrimination.  Implementing an age discriminatory factor will help and benefit everyone growing old.  In addition, further research should be implemented in order to increase the issue of ageism and civil rights.  An example of research is estimating the total amount of lost wages due to age discrimination in the workforce.  This type of research could provide proof of the effects of age discrimination in the hiring process.  In addition, research could provide insight into the available job skills and different opportunities that could be available to older individuals.  Furthermore, other measures, such as national campaigns to bring awareness to society of ageism in the United States could provide successful strides for the elderly community.  Overall, ageism is a real issue in the United States and legislative measures should be implemented at the political, social and community levels.

References

Bulter, R.  PhD.   Combating Ageism: A Matter of Human and Civil Rights.  The Anti-Ageism Taskforce at The International Longevity Center.  Ageisim in America. Retrieved from: http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/Ageism_in_America.pdf

Nation Institute of Health. (2011).  Global Health and Aging.  National Institute of Aging. World Health Organization.  NIH Publication no. 11-7737.  26pgs.  Retrieved: http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/global_health.pdf