Attitudes toward older adults and aging: A foundational geropsychology knowledge competency.

Abstract

This article reviews topics related to attitudes toward older adults and aging, one of the foundational knowledge areas in the Pikes Peak competency domains for training in geropsychology. We review research on the impact of attitudes about aging on older adult health and well-being and we discuss the history of ageism in the behavioral health field. The group of older adults is diverse, and we review select considerations related to the various identities of older adults. Practical suggestions for psychologists who are interested in increasing their knowledge, understanding and skills in working with older adults are also provided. Public Health Significance StatementOlder adults are living longer and are projected to make up 23 percent of the U.S. population by 2060. There is a need in clinical psychology for more training in the area of geropsychology to meet the behavioral health needs of older adults. Considerations of clinician, societal, and individual attitudes about older adults and aging are a foundational competency area for treating older adults as attitudes and behavior informed by common stereotypes can have deleterious effects on the physical and behavior health of older adults.

Long‐term care planning and the influencing factors among sexual minority older women: A qualitative study

“…Conversely, some older SM women who had positive views towards ageing (a natural process) maintained their physical and mental health status through lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet or regular exercise. Ageing is characterized by a loss or decline after maturation (Garrison-Diehn et al, 2022).…”

Prioritizing, teaching, and promoting geropsychology to generalists: Commentary on foundational geropsychology competencies.

“…In addition to a meaningful consideration of goals and objectives of the education that will come from this framework, an early consideration of teaching strategies may be useful (Kern et al, 2009). Choosing an optimal teaching strategy would seem to be especially important in the area of attitudes (Garrison-Diehn et al, 2022). Garrison-Diehn and colleagues' article provides a compelling view of ageism and its effects, as well as helpful practices.…”

Knowledge of aging reduces risk of harm: Why you need to read this special issue.

“…Furthermore, the research literature on what is distinct about the aging process and the later period of human life is proliferating rapidly. The documentation of cultural attitudes toward aging (Garrison-Diehn et al, 2021), distinctive symptom presentations of mental disorders late in life (Jacobs & Bamonti, 2021), and evidence-based treatments and practices (Jacobs & Bamonti, 2021; Lind et al, 2021) illustrate the growing scientific base for practice with older adults. The articles in this special issue do a remarkable job of summarizing what is now a vast literature on aging in a form that can be used by psychologists who do not intend to be experts in geropsychology, to ensure adequate understanding of the aging process to support effective health services for older adults.…”

“…With every passing year, there accumulates more evidence of the heterogeneity of older populations, indicating that such variability might be attributable to biological factors, such as genetics or self-management of health; psychological factors, such as personality and brain health; or social factors such as income, education, and family and cultural identity. Consequently, we are at risk of doing harm to those receiving services if we fail to educate ourselves and instead rely solely on personal experience with aging or societal views of older adults (Garrison-Diehn et al, 2021). The heterogeneity of the older adult population practically ensures that the experiences of our clients will differ from our own experiences, and, thus, we need to understand more about those varied experiences.…”

“…Geropsychology practice is also distinctive in emphasizing the critical role of context in later life. At the broadest level, sociocultural experiences of agism influence attitudes of practitioners and patients or clients, as do broad social attitudes toward characteristics that intersect with age, such as gender and gender identity, sexual identity, and race and ethnicity (Garrison-Diehn et al, 2021). Cultural norms influence symptom expression, help-seeking likelihood and strategies, and attitudes toward providers (Garrison-Diehn et al, 2021).…”