Ageism: A Case Study

Self-Image
a) Physical

b) Psychological
Skin:
- Dry, wrinkles, sagging, folding
- Brown age spot,
- Increase fat in abdomen
- Thinning & gray hair,
- Facial hair in men decreased
- Upper lip hair present in women
Head:
- Loss of eyebrow hair in women
- Bushy eyebrows in men
Eyes:
- Decreased visual activity
- Reduced adaptation to darkness
- Sensitivity to glare
- Diminished light reflex
Ears:
- Decreased ability to hear
Nose & Sinus:
- Decreased sense of smell
- Increased nasal hair
Mouth & pharynx:
- Dentures
- Decreased sense of taste
- Occasional change of voice pitch
Musculoskeletal system:
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Bone demineralization
- Shortening of trunk
-
Social development - Attitudinal isolation: cultural or personal values, ageism makes it seem acceptable for older adults to be alone (example: young adults or adolescents avoiding interaction older adults)
- Behavioral isolation: an older adult is isolated from others because he or she displays socially unacceptable behavior
(example:)
- Presentational isolation: unacceptable appearance or judgments based on aging (example: avoiding an older adult because they look sick)
- Geographical isolation: territorial restriction that is a result of death of loved ones or life partner, urban crowding, rural life, or institutionalization (example: older adult is isolated from family because their family lives in another state)
- Involved social activities
- Inactive because of age related illness
- Retirement
- Volunteerism
- Developing new hobbies
- Experience death of spouse, family, or friends
- Loneliness
- Institutionalization (Long-term Care Facility)
- Strong social connection with family and friends - Groups of friends meet up at senior center
- Friends exercising together
- An older male volunteered in the kitchen at the center
- Some older adults did not participate in Zumba because age related changes to their