Ageist Behaviour and Health Care

Abstract

Ageing populations worldwide present many issues for health services, not the least of which is the manner in which older people are treated by health care professionals. This paper examines national and international policies regarding attitudes of health care professionals when dealing with older people. The question is asked; is there an attitude of care and understanding or placation and dismissal and what could be the downstream health and wellbeing effects of such attitudes. Given the ageing pattern of many populations it becomes imperative to focus on health care professionals’ attitudes and proposals are made for addressing this through policy and practice.