Ageism in Current Practice: Experiences of Occupational Therapists

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of gerontological occupational therapists and their experiences with ageism in their practice. Sixteen gerontological occupational therapists participated in this interpretive inquiry study. Semistructured interviews along with written responses to focused questions were used to obtain the data. Constant comparative analysis of transcripts and written responses generated themes. Two contextual influences impacting the work experience were noteworthy: (a) person-level (i.e., societal, colleagues, clinicians themselves) attitudes and values and (b) organizational constraints. Findings indicated participants perceived a presence of covert discrimination toward seniors, health professionals who work with seniors, and the organizations that provide service to this population. Participants recognized ageism within their own behaviors. The presence of ageism and its impact were examined in three areas: attitudes within our profession, occupational therapy discourses, and finally resource allocation within health care. The findings from this study may help practitioners examine ageism in their practice.

Occupational Therapy Education, Attitudes on Aging, and Occupational Therapy Students and Therapists Interest in Gerontology Practice

“…While quantitative analyses found positive attitudes toward older adults for therapists and students based on Refined-ASD scores, qualitative student focus group data found negative perspectives of older adults in 41% of themes. Negative perspectives were also found to be a theme identified with disinterest in gerontology practice (15%), reflecting research findings of negative attitudes among OT students, therapists, and other health providers (Brown et al, 2011;Giles et al, 2002;Klein & Liu, 2010;Rybarczyk et al, 2001). Although negative attitudes toward older adults were not prevalent among all student participants, negative perspectives remain a professional problem that educators need to address, appreciating the influence of OT role models (educators and clinicians), gerontology education (course work, clinical, and service learning experiences), and intergenerational engagement on student attitudes and career interests.…”

“…Careers in gerontology are often perceived as undesirable and unrewarding and are cited as reasons why diverse health professionals choose not to work with older adults (Brown et al, 2011;Eshbaugh et al, 2010;Giles et al, 2002;Horowitz & Bressler, 2000;International Longevity Center, 2006;Kane & Kane, 2005;Klein & Liu, 2010;Moriello et al, 2005;Powell et al, 2008). While there are limited studies addressing ageism and occupational therapy, there is some evidence of more positive attitudes about aging and reduced ageism among OTs.…”

“…Factors found to be barriers to decisions to engage in gerontology practice, and which negatively influence interest in OT gerontology practice, include limited gerontology education, lack of practitioner role models, limited experience with healthy older adults, lack of recognition and respect for work with older adults, negative perceptions of gerontology practice, and concerns of professional stagnation limiting career advancement (Horowitz & Bressler, 2000;Klein & Liu, 2010;Wilkins & Rosenthal, 2001). Factors found to promote student and professional interest in/willingness to work with older adults in diverse health care disciplines include low levels of anxiety about aging, positive contact with older adults, and experience working with older adults, particularly community living older adults (Bousfield & Hutchison, 2010;Eshbaugh et al, 2010;Wilkins & Rosenthal, 2001).…”

“…While there are limited studies addressing ageism and occupational therapy, there is some evidence of more positive attitudes about aging and reduced ageism among OTs. However, negative attitudes and ageism are a problem with potential impact on health care outcomes (Horowitz et al, 1999;Klein & Liu, 2010;Nicholas et al, 1998;Rybarczyk et al, 2001).…”

Assessing ageist behaviours in undergraduate nursing students using the Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) survey

“…Recognition of ageism in one's own practice is recognised as a starting point to combat ageist behaviours [14]. As the world's population ages, and the prevalence of older adults in all areas of health-care increases, it is important to recognise and combat these behaviours.…”