The Tragedy of Aging Lies in Societal Judgment, Not the Passage of Time
The Tragedy of Aging Lies in Societal Judgment, Not the Passage of Time
A faculty member of the Department of Gerontology at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, criticizing the stereotypical view of age discrimination, stated: "Individuals who maintain a positive attitude toward aging and avoid ageist judgments live, on average, 7.5 years longer. Conversely, ageism brings irreversible consequences, including cognitive decline, chronic loneliness, and the limitation of learning and employment opportunities."
According to the university's website, Dr. Yadollah Abolfathi Momtaz, a faculty member of the university’s Department of Gerontology, spoke at the 'Book Café' session regarding caregiving challenges in an aging world. He noted: "Age discrimination, or 'ageism,' is a set of false beliefs and values that judge an individual solely based on their chronological age. This phenomenon, which has now gained as much significance as gender and racial discrimination, has led to stereotypical and discriminatory behaviors in healthcare centers and workplaces."
Ageism: A Discrimination Parallel to Gender and Racial Bias
Citing the theories of Robert Butler, he remarked: "The true tragedy is not growing old or death itself, but rather how the process unfolds, and the judgment society holds toward the elderly. Research shows that those with a positive outlook on aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those with a negative outlook. In contrast, ageism inflicts irreparable harm by reducing cognitive speed, causing chronic isolation, and restricting access to learning and professional opportunities."
The Role of Medical Sciences Universities in Reforming Attitudes
Dr. Momtaz emphasized the vital role of educational institutions in correcting these perceptions, adding, "As professors at medical universities, we must serve as proper role models for students. In the educational process and clinical encounters, it is essential to view the elderly not as a collection of diseases, but as valuable individuals and human beings with rights. Our authentic interaction with the elderly directly influences the perspective of the next generation of healthcare providers and the quality of health services."
The Harm of Improper Terminology in Gerontology
Expressing regret over certain common expressions, the faculty member said: "Using terms such as 'Aging Tsunami,' or viewing the elderly merely as consumers, or setting 69 as the index age for premature death (which implies to people that 70 is the time to die), is highly damaging in the field of social sciences. The elderly are a treasure trove of lived experiences and scientific and cultural assets who can play a key role as the 'wise ones' of the family and society."
Self-Ageism and Its Clinical Consequences
He also pointed to the dangerous consequences of ageism in health, adding, "In the phenomenon of self-ageism and age-based judgment, it is observed in 93% of cases that it leads to treatment avoidance. For instance, when hearing loss or illnesses are attributed solely to age, the elderly person loses hope in pursuing treatment. Such issues lead to underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis in this demographic."
The Necessity of Educational Interventions and Strengthening Intergenerational Bonds
In conclusion, Dr. Momtaz stressed the need for educational interventions and the promotion of intergenerational communication: "To combat this phenomenon, public awareness must increase so that insurance institutions and civil laws provide services based on merit and actual need, rather than just a chronological number."
This scientific session was held as part of the 'Book Café' series at the university's central library, and participating professors will receive cultural credits for their attendance.
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