Perceptions and consequences of ageism: views of older people

This qualitative study examines meanings and experiences of ageism for olde r Australians. While the concept is widely applied in academic social analy sis, the term is not understood or used by many of the informants. They tal k freely, however, about negative experiences in 'being seen as old' and 'b eing treated as old'. Active ageing is viewed as a positive way of presenti ng and interpreting oneself as separate from the 'old' group. Informants re cognise that older people as a group experience negative treatment in terms of poor access to transport and housing, low incomes, forced retirement an d inadequate nursing home care. While few have experienced overt or brutal ageism, interaction in everyday life involves some negative treatment, occa sional positive 'sageism', and others 'keeping watch' for one's vulnerabili ties. Health professionals are a major source of ageist treatment. Some old er people limit their lives by accommodating ageism, while others actively negotiate new images of ageing for themselves and those who will be old in the future.